ABSTRACT
Supramolecular gels, formed by the self-assembly of low molecular weight organic compounds through non-covalent interactions, are considered promising materials for the treatment of wastewater. The gel nanostructures have intimate contact with the solvent molecules. This intimate contact of the solvent molecules with the nanoscale gel network coupled to their high surface area enables to bring a solid-like phase in contact with the solvent in the gels, making them efficient for the removal of unwanted pollutants from water. Moreover, the control over the interactions between the fibrous gel network and pollutants enables the selective extraction of the pollutant. In this chapter, the applications of supramolecular gels for recovery of oil spills, removal of organic pollutant dyes and toxic metal ions as well as anions are discussed.
