Hyperbranched polymers as superior adsorbent for the treatment of dyes in water

The effective control on environmental pollutants is crucial for the proper management of diverse environmental systems (e.g., soil, water, and air). In this respect, the utility of various functional materials such as hyper branched polymers (HPs) has been recognized due to their great potentil as adsorbent for the mitigation of numerous environmental pollutants. Here, we highlight the latest progress achieved in the design and construction of HPs with high adsorption potentials. We focus on adsorption mechanisms, functionalization methods, the role of functional groups in adsorption capacity, and the choice of HPs in adsorption of cationic and anionic dyes. Recent published reports are reviewed to quantify and qualify the removal efficiency of pollutants through adsorption. We also evaluate the adsorbing efficiency of the constructed HPs and compared their performance with other such systems. The utilization potential of new materials (magnetic, polar, and biological) is highlighted along with the methods needed for their preparation and/or modification (surface, end-group, and zwitterionic) for the construction of efficient adsorbing systems. Finally, the advantages and limitations of adsorbing systems are described along with the existing challenges to help establish guidelines for future research. This article is thus expected to offer new path and guidance for developing advanced HP-based adsorbents.

Automated summary

Effective control of environmental pollutants is crucial for managing environmental systems. Hyper branched polymers (HPs) have been recognized for their potential as adsorbents for mitigating environmental pollutants. This review highlights the recent progress in designing and constructing HPs with high adsorption potentials. The review focuses on adsorption mechanisms, functionalization methods, the role of functional groups, and the choice of HPs for adsorption. It evaluates the efficiency of pollutant removal through adsorption and compares the performance of HPs with other systems. The review also highlights the potential of new materials and their preparation/modification methods for constructing efficient adsorbing systems. Finally, the advantages and limitations of adsorbing systems are described, along with the existing challenges, to provide guidelines for future research.