Modification of thermo-responsive hydrogels with nanomaterials
In this project area, the change of the hydrogels’ performance in membrane-based and membrane-free forward osmosis water desalination upon modification of the hydrogels with nanomaterials is investigated. Hydrogel parameters and microstructures are selected according to the results of project area 1. The selected hydrogels are modified by four different types of nanomaterials including titanium oxide, silica, graphene, and magnetic nanoparticles. The focus is on the study of the influence of the nanomaterials on the deswelling kinetics of hydrogels, for example, by local heat generation or by creating a path for water flow during the deswelling process.