Rapid fabrication of xylan-based hydrogel by graft polymerization via a dynamic lignin-Fe3+ plant catechol system

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers 2021-10, Vol.269, p.118306-118306, Article 118306
• Main Authors: Li, Nan, Sun, Dan, Su, Zhenhua, Hao, Xiang, Li, Mingfei, Ren, Junli, Peng, Feng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Graft polymerization; Lignin-Fe3; Rapid preparation; Xylan
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118306

Traditional preparation methods of the hydrogel are not only tedious but also requiring external stimuli. Here, a plant catechol-inspired self-catalytic system (sulfonated lignin and iron ion) has been introduced to rapidly trigger the graft polymerization of vinyl monomers on the carboxymethyl xylan (CMX) at room temperature, generating an elastic, UV-shield, and conductive hydrogel. The rapid preparation process can be finished at room temperature in 5 min without the removal of oxygen. The hydrogel shows charming extension ratio (up to 460%) and tensile stress (up to 23 kPa), which can be ascribed to the double network structure constructed from Fe3+ and CMX. The hydrogel exhibits great transparency (up to 85.37%), fascinating UV-blocking (up to 99%), and conductive features, thereby serving as potential human body sensors. The rapid preparation of xylan-derived hydrogels via dynamic lignin catechol chemistry may open up a new approach to high-valued utilization of biomass. [Display omitted] •A plant catechol-inspired lignin-Fe3+ self-catalytic system has been developed.•Lignin/Fe3+ pair can trigger the graft polymerization of vinyl monomers on the carboxymethyl xylan.•Gel can be formed at room temperature in 5 min without the removal of oxygen.•Moderate conductivity, great transparency, and fascinating UV-blocking performances.