Efficient and eco-friendly low-molecular-weight gelators based on l-phenylalanine as promising remediation tool for oil pollution

Abstract

New low-molecular-weight gelators based on l-phenylalanine derivatives bearing long alkyl chains with different lengths were synthesized via one synthetic step. These gelators [i.e. 1 and 2] were nontoxic, biodegradable and prepared using naturally occurring starting materials. The gelation ability was investigated using different solvents and oils. 1H NMR and FTIR studies revealed that the intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the amide groups had a primary importance for supramolecular self-assembly process. In addition, the participation of the van der Waals interaction between the alkyl chains and π-π stacking supported the gelation process. The melting enthalpies were calculated. SEM was used for studying the morphology of the prepared xerogels. Moreover, the gelators succeeded to be used as an efficient tool for selective removal of several oils in their mixtures with water via gelation. Keywords: Remediation, Low-molecular-weight-gelators, l-Phenylalanine, Oil spill