Abstract
PolyHIPEs (polymers synthesized within high internal phase emulsions) are porous materials with high specific surface area which suggests their use in ion exchange applications. We have successfully synthesized and functionalized such materials to make then hydrophilic by mixing an oil phase and an aqueous phase containing deionized water and sulphuric acid. The PolyHIPE samples were also subjected to a further microwave-assisted post-sulphonation process to increase hydrophilicity and water uptake. Post sulphonation results in a higher concentration of benzenesulphonic acid groups which are necessary for ion exchange. PolyHIPE beads processed in this manner were able to remove low concentrations (∼20mg/l) of nickel and copper ions from solution with high removal efficiency (80-95%) depending on the initial pH of the water. However, recovery of the metal through regeneration at different pH levels was less successful.
Highlights
Wastewater treatment is used to remove heavy metals because they can have an adverse effect on human health (Molinari et al, 2008)
PolyHIPEs are porous materials with high specific surface area which suggests their use in ion exchange applications
Heavy metals such as nickel, cadmium and arsenic with different concentrations may be naturally available in water or they may originate from industrial processes
Summary
Wastewater treatment is used to remove heavy metals because they can have an adverse effect on human health (Molinari et al, 2008). Porous materials with high surface area that can be functionalized to bind to contaminant metal ions are expected to offer higher removal rates than other methods. Due to their porous structure PolyHIPEs have high surface area which recommends their use in ion exchange applications (Hasan, 2013). The ratio oil to aqueous phase should be at least 76% (Cameron, 2005; Boujelben et al, 2009) After polymerization this material can be treated
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