Synthesis and characterization of ZEin-based Low Density Porous Absorbent (ZELDA) for oil spill recovery

Removal of spilled petroleum oil from water bodies using hydrophobic porous absorbent has garnered considerable attention due to the simplicity, large-scale adaptability and robustness process. However, use nonbiodegradable synthetic during cleanup raised a secondary concern such as generating plastic pollutants that can accumulate in marine other ecosystems. To encounter this potential hazard, there is need find new biocompatible alternatives currently used non-degradable materials. Here we present ZEin-based Low Density Absorbent (ZELDA) synthesized an emulsion templating method class naturally derived material with tunable hydrophobicity for spill recovery. Corn-derived zein nanoparticles are first form oil-in-water Pickering emulsion. The addition polymeric into continuous aqueous phase emulsion, its gradual separation enables formation matrix. pore diameter, surface wettability, uptake capacity ZELDA be programmed by tuning oil-to-water volume ratio selective functionalization flaxseed oil. synthesis further modified iron oxide induce magnetic response, which contactless maneuverability removal site. study outlines zein-based materials introduces routes controlled functionalization, stimuli responsiveness material. plant-based provides ecofriendly alternative commercially sorbents remediation.