Abstract
By with the exfoliated montmorillonite (MMT) layers as noncovalent cross-linker, a highly tough nanocomposite (NC) hydrogel was synthesized via in-situ copolymerization of acrylic acid (AA) and acrylamide (AM). The characterization results revealed that the MMT nanosheets could regroup to a three-dimensional porous structure in water, which became the framework of NC hydrogels with the polymer chains anchored on these layers surface. Hence, plenty of the carboxyl and amido groups appeared in the NC hydrogels would bring outstanding sorption capacity toward the heavy-metal ions. Considering that the addition of AA could reduce the degree of crosslinking of NC hydrogel, the NC hydrogel with 4% AA was selected to balance the sorption capacity and stability in use. Full kinetic and thermodynamic investigations as well as isotherm analysis were also undertaken. Inspiringly, the NC hydrogels could maintain self-stabilization with puny swelling ratio in the sorption process. A mechanism based on the structure property was given to explain the phenomenon that the Cu2+ adsorbed in the NC hydrogels would multiply chelate with carboxyl and amido groups at different polymer chains so to play a role of metal crosslinking agent. Moreover, the NC hydrogel beads can be designed easily to improve the application form.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
