Rapid and facile detection of PBTC antiscalant using functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles and latex agglutination

Abstract

Organophosphate-based compounds, particularly 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC), have been crucial in circulating cooling systems and wastewater treatments as corrosion inhibitors preventing scale deposits in industrial facilities. Employing the reagent within its optimum concentration range is essential for effective performance, minimizing costs and environmental impacts. However, measuring PBTC separately can be challenging due to its functional groups’ similarity to other common molecules found in natural water, necessitating complex procedures. In this study, amine-functionalized polystyrene (PS) latex nanoparticles were synthesized through emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization and utilized as nanosorbents for PBTC detection via a straightforward latex agglutination method. This phenomenon is facilitated by electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions between the positively charged layers on the particle’s surface and the negatively charged PBTC molecules. The pH and concentration of the PBTC solution are key factors influencing the adsorption behavior and capacity of the functionalized latex particles. A graphical representation of aggregation domains, dependent on both PBTC concentration and pH, was created. This map serves as an effective tool for detecting PBTC concentration. The resulting particles show great promise for monitoring the concentration range of phosphate additives in water, offering a simple, rapid detection process with low costs and reduced chemical and equipment requirements.