Magnetic monolithic polymers prepared from high internal phase emulsions and Fe3O4 triazole-functionalized nanoparticles for Pb2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ removal

Abstract

A series of magnetic interconnected microcellular poly(styrene-DVB) polymeric monoliths were prepared by the polymerization of high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) templates then used as adsorbents to remove Pb2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions from wastewaters. Magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles functionalized with 1,2,3-triazole cycle (MNP-Trz) were used to stabilize the emulsions and to impart magnetic properties and additional chelating sites to the porous materials. Important variations in microstructure were achieved by adjusting the concentration of MNP-Trz nanoparticles. The effects of external adsorption conditions including pH, initial concentration and contact time on the adsorption properties were systematically investigated. It was demonstrated that the adsorption equilibrium can be rapidly reached within 25 min for Cu2+ and Zn2+ and 40 min for Pb2+ with high maximal adsorption capacities of 303.3, 149.2 and 135.9 mg.g−1 for Pb2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ respectively at pH = 5.5 and T = 25 °C. The easy and versatile preparation and excellent performance make these magnetic porous polymers excellent candidates for metal remediation.