Glycidol-functionalized macroporous polymer for boron removal from aqueous solution

Abstract

This study describes two boron sorbents: P(GMA-co-TRIM)-EN-PG and P(GMA-co-TRIM)-TETA-PG. These absorbents were prepared by grafting glycidol onto P(GMA-co-TRIM) with different amounts of amino and imino groups. The structure was characterized using FT-IR, SEM and the water contact angle (WCA). The two adsorbents contain a large number of hydroxyl groups and are defined as nanomaterials. The adsorption of boron by the two adsorbents was investigated by determining the effects of pH, the initial boron concentration, adsorption time, ion competition and cycle life. Isothermal adsorption data were combined with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model, and the adsorption kinetics were well fitted to the second-order kinetic model. The adsorption equilibrium was achieved within 60 min, and the maximum amounts of boron adsorbed were 29.22 mg/g and 23.25 mg/g, respectively. The presence of Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, K+, Cl−, SO42− and NO3− ions had little effect on boron adsorption. After five consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles, the two adsorbents showed good reuse performance. These two promising adsorbents are useful for removing boron from aqueous solutions.