Chitin-natural clay nanotubes hybrid hydrogel

- Chitin-HNTs hybrid hydrogels are synthesized from chitin NaOH/urea aqueous solution in presence of HNTs via crosslinking with epichlorohydrin.
- The hybrid hydrogels show a uniform micro-pore microstructure.
- The mechanical strength and shear modulus of the chitin-HNTs hydrogels significantly increase by the addition of HNTs.
- The hybrid hydrogels exhibit enhanced dye absorption rate.
- The hybrid hydrogels have potential applications in water treatment and biomaterials