Daily News Analysis » April 2024 » Novel Hydrogel to Remove Microplastics by Indian Institute of Science (IISc): 19 April 2024

Novel Hydrogel to Remove Microplastics by Indian Institute of Science (IISc): 19 April 2024

What is Hydrogel?

  • A hydrogel is a water-based substance that contains a network of polymer chains capable of holding a large amount of water while maintaining its structure.

New Invention by IIsc:

  • The new hydrogel features a three-layer polymer structure and uses nanoclusters of copper substitute.
  • It degrades microplastics using UV light irradiation.

 

Microplastics: Microplastics are small plastic particles under five millimeters, often broken down from larger plastics due to environmental factors such as UV radiation and physical wear.

Why in News:

  •  IISc researchers have developed a sustainable hydrogel that removes microplastics from water, addressing their environmental and health impacts.