Current Advances in Design of Starch‐Based Superabsorbent Polymers and Their Removal of Typical Pollutants from Tannery Wastewater

Abstract With the vigorous development of the leather industry, the environmental pollution problem originating from tannery wastewater is becoming increasingly serious, which can be solved by using advanced adsorption technology. As a biodegradable natural biomaterial, starch has a wide range of sources and has gradually become one of the best choices for preparing superabsorbent polymers. The excellent characteristics of starch‐based superabsorbent polymer make it widely applied in wastewater treatment. Therefore, this paper reviews the research progress of starch‐based superabsorbent polymer in recent years by removing metal ions and typical organic compounds from tannery wastewater. Firstly, the synthesis methods and characteristics of starch‐based superabsorbent polymers are discussed. Secondly, the main factors influencing the adsorption performance of starch‐based superabsorbent polymer have been introduced. Thirdly, the present situation of treating tannery wastewater with starch‐based superabsorbent polymer is summarized. Finally, some problems existing in the practical application of starch‐based superabsorbent polymer are proposed. Although starch‐based superabsorbent polymer shows excellent adsorption properties, there remain several issues such as recycling that needed to be addressed. This review is of benefit for the high‐value utilization of starch‐based superabsorbent polymers in reducing environmental pollution caused by tannery wastewater.