Development, fabrication, characterization, features and multifarious applications of cryogel polymeric nanoarchitectures: a review

ABSTRACT

Cryogel (CRG) is a cross-linked form of hydrogel (HDG) synthesized at subzero temperature via freeze-drying technique with unique features including broad surface area, 3-D sponge-appearing architecture, controlled porosity, low-weight, mechanical strength and so on. However, in order to enlarge their scope of applications, thereby limiting their deficiencies, nanoparticulates are embedded within these materials to enhance their performances resulting in the fabrication of cryogel nanoarchitectures. Therefore, this paper elucidates recently emerging trends in development, fabrication, characterization, features and multifarious applications of cryogel polymeric nanoarchitectures.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Bioconversion
• biomedicine
• CO₂ adsorption: anti-microbial performance
• cpoyogels
• oil spill clean-up
• thermally insulating materials

Acknowledgments

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria is acknowledged.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Ifeanyi J. Okoye

Ifeanyi OkoyeIfeanyi Okoye is a Lecturer with Unizik Nigeria and presently a Doctoral Researcher with Pittsburg University, USA.

Christopher Igwe Idumah

Christopher Igwe Idumah, Ph.D is a Lecturer with polymer engineering departement, Unizik, Nigeria.

James Ekuma Ogbu

James Ekuma Ogbu (Associate Professor) is a Lecturer in department of technology and vocational, Ebonyi state university, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

Christopher Obi

Christopher Obi is a Lecturer in department of polymer engineering, Unizik, Nigeria.

Obinna Ezenkwa

Obinna Ezenkwa (Ph.D) is a Lecturer in department of technology and vocational, Ebonyi state university, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

Ogah Anselm Ogah

Ogah Anselm Ph.D. is lecturers in department of polymer engineering, Unizik, Nigeria.

Martins Ibenta

Martin Ibenta is a Lecturer in department of polymer engineering, Unizik, Nigeria.