Modification of cellulose nanocrystal with dual temperature- and CO2-responsive block copolymers for ion adsorption applications

Abstract

Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-grafted smart polymers have potential applications as adsorbents by providing simple regeneration process. In this study, carbon dioxide (CO2)- and temperature-responsive free block copolymers of N-isopropylacrylamide and (2-dimethylaminoethyl) methacrylate with different block lengths were synthesized using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. In addition, CNC was modified with the similar block copolymers by surface-initiated RAFT method. The synthesized block copolymers were used in nitrate ion removal from aqueous solutions. The synthesis process was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) analysis, thermal gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Stimuli-responsivity of the free polymers was studied by pH measurement, turbidity investigation, and dynamic light scattering analysis. CO2-responsivity of the block copolymers in aqueous solution was confirmed by reduction of pH in the presence of CO2 by protonation of the PDMAEMA blocks. The copolymers with higher length of PDMAEMA showed highly intense CO2-responsivity. Deprotonation of the PDMAEMA units by purging N2 represents reversible responsivity of the copolymers. Turbidity analysis showed different critical solution temperatures (CST) for the block copolymers with various block lengths. Two different micellar and vesicular morphologies were observed for the self-assembled copolymers at temperatures above and below CST of the copolymers, which is related to the hydrophobic/hydrophilic block ratio. CO2-switched nitrate ion adsorption from aqueous solution at two temperatures (37 and 60 °C) was studied by UV–vis spectroscopy using the synthesized products as adsorbent. Adsorption of nitrate ions from aqueous solutions was increased by protonation of the PDMAEMA segments upon CO2 purging. Presence of CNC, morphology of the self-assembled copolymers, temperature, and time of CO2 purging affect the nitrite ion adsorption capacity. The maximum adsorption capacity (420 mg/g) is related to the sample with vesicular assemblies in aqueous solution and higher PDMAEMA block length at temperatures below CST of the block copolymer. N2 purging resulted in deprotonation of the PDMAEMA blocks and regeneration of the samples. Finally, the CNC substrate can be used in regeneration of the samples with simple filtration process in addition to the stimuli-regeneration process.