2,2′‐Bipyridine containing chelating polymers for sequestration of heavy metal ions from organic solvents

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, a new chelating polymer, poly‐N‐([2,2′‐bipyridine]‐4‐yl)methacrylamide (PBpyMA), was designed and synthesized for the sequestration of heavy metal ions from organic solvents. Free radical polymerization of N‐([2,2′‐bipyridine]‐4‐yl) methacrylamide (BpyMA) generated a linear polymer with an Mw of ~43.9 kg/mol, which is found to be soluble in organic solvents such as DMF, THF, and DMSO. Thermogravimetric analysis for the polymer showed high thermal stability up to 285°C. The ability of the polymer PBpyMA to sequestrate different heavy metal ions was studied by using UV–vis spectroscopy and ICP‐MS. The polymer is found to efficiently complex Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+ with absorption capacity in the range of 1.7–2.5 mmol/g. Kinetic studies revealed that the maximum removal of metal ions could be achieved within an hour at room temperature. FESEM‐EDX micrographs confirmed the formation of an interconnected crosslinked macroporous structure upon polymer‐metal complexation. Our studies suggest that PBpyMA bearing chelating bipyridine repeat units is a highly effective chelating material with significant potential for removing metal ions from organic solvents.