Removal of organic solvents from contaminated water surface through a fatty acid grafted polyvinyl alcohol based organogel

Abstract Toxic organic solvents are constantly being cast out causing serious issues to the environment. In this work, a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)‐based organogel has been prepared by modification with a long‐chain fatty acid via condensation method without the use of any cross‐linker. Organogel or the semi‐solid material has been used as a sorbent for solvent absorption from the polluted water surface. The prepared organogel was characterized by Fourier Transform‐Infrared Spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Wide‐Angle X‐Ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, Thermogravimetric Analysis while contact angle measurements were also performed. The gel was used as a sorbent for the absorption of organic solvents. The swelling ratio was examined and exhibited absorption performance of 534% with reusable and retention properties. Experiments were performed to find the maximum absorption capacity at 875.5 (g/g), establishing kinetics of second order reaction. The gel can be extracted by scooping after absorption. Thus, making it an effective and ideal material for the removal of a wide array of organic solvents.