Synthesis of a nickel oxide‐xanthan gum‐based superabsorbent composite

Abstract This study focuses on the development of a nickel oxide (NiO) based superabsorbent composite. NiO was synthesized using the chemical co‐precipitation method and dispersed in xanthan gum for developing superabsorbent composites. Citric acid is used as a crosslinker. The presence of well‐dispersed NiO particles in xanthan gum polymer networks significantly improves the absorbency of in distilled and saline water. The characterization was done with the help of particle size analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and thermogravimetric analysis, and the degree of swelling (both in distilled and saline water) was studied to determine the best formulation among all studied for superabsorbent composite. The results demonstrated that the 0.5% NiO‐xanthan gum composite performed better in distilled and saline water, implying an absorbing enhancing effect via inclusion. However, adding excess filler (i.e., 0.75/1%) of NiO did not result in significant swelling properties because the extra filler content occupied the space within the superabsorbent composite network, restricting the availability of free water molecules. The filler particles operate as physical barriers, lowering the accessible space for water absorption and limiting the swelling capacity of superabsorbent composites. Our research may open up new possibilities for creating novel, highly superabsorbent composites based on NiO.