Physicochemical Parameters of Cu(II) Ions Adsorption from Aqueous Solution by Magnetic-Poly(divinylbenzene-n-vinylimidazole) Microbeads

Abstract

This study is aimed at the synthesis and characterization of the mesoporous magnetic-poly(divinylbenzene-1-vinylimidazole)[m-poly(DVB-VIM))microbeads(average diameter = 53–212 µm); their application as adsorbent in the removal of Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions was investigated. The mesoporous m-poly(DVB-VIM) microbeads were prepared by copolymerizing of divinylbenzene (DVB) with 1-vinylimidazole (VIM). The mesoporous m-poly(DVB-VIM) microbeads were characterized by N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, ESR, elemental analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and swelling studies. At fixed solid/solution ratio the various factors affecting adsorption of Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions such as pH, initial concentration, amount of mesoporousm-poly(DVB-VIM)) microbeads, contact time, and temperature were analyzed. Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkvich isotherms were used the model adsorption equilibrium data. The Langmuir isotherm model was the most adequate. The pseudo first-order, pseudo-second-order, Ritch-second-order, and intraparticle diffusion models were used to describe the adsorption kinetics. The experimental data fitted to pseudo second-order kinetic. The study of temperature effect was quantified by calculating various thermodynamic parameters such as Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy changes. Morever, after the use in adsorption, the mesoporous m-poly(DVB-VIM) microbeads with paramagnetic property was separated via the applied magnetic force. These features make the mesoporous m-poly(DVB-VIM) microbeads a potential candidate for support of Cu(II) ions removal under magnetic field.