Abstract
A group of six amino-hypophosphite polyampholytes (AHPs) was obtained and investigated for potential scavenging of four toxic metal ions – copper(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), and lead(II). The materials were synthesised with a convenient green one-pot reaction from simple building blocks, including polyalkylenepolyamine, paraformaldehyde, and hypophosphorous acid. The AHPs are produced in a process that is greener and simpler than conventional chelating scavengers, which are mostly crude oil derived materials and difficult to dispose of in a sustainable way. The materials were characterised with FTIR spectra and tested for removal of four different toxic metal ions. It was found that all of the AHPs obtained possess ion scavenging properties in a wide pH range (2.0–8.0). Some AHPs exert a certain selectivity towards specific metal ions. The highest values of the ionic capacities derived from cation removal experiments vary in the range 0.7–2.5 mmol Me2+·g−1 of acidic AHP and 1–4 mmol Me2+·g−1 of basic AHP. These features suggest their potential application for toxic metal ion removal processes in a wide spectrum of wastewater types.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
