Divinylbenzene Copolymer Research Articles

Past to Future: Application of Gel Permeation Chromatography from Petroleomics and Metallopetroleomics to New Energies Applications: A Minireview

In the field of petroleomics and metallopetroleomics, the gel permeation chromatography (GPC) technique coupled with high-resolution detection technologies has made significant contributions as an analytical and preparative tool for over five decades. This bibliographic minireview highlights the study of the supramolecular and structural behavior of heavy crude oil and its fractions, as well as their reactivity to various processes by use of GPC. The preferred mobile phase is tetrahydrofuran (THF), whereas the stationary phase is polystyrene–divinylbenzene copolymer to avoid compound retention in the column. Other techniques such as HPTLC, RPLC, and NPHPLC have been used to provide multidimensional separations complementary to GPC. The high molecular weight (HMW) fraction, due to its greater polarity, reactivity to polymerization, and resistance to hydrodemetallization processes, has been the focus of interest for years. GPC coupled with high-resolution techniques has proven to be reliable for the detection of organic and inorganic species in bio-oils, making it a valuable tool for researchers and industry professionals in the context of feedstocks changes and new energy production.

Resins Based on Polystyrene–Divinylbenzene with Attached Hydrophilized Polyethyleneimine for Ion and Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography

To expand the field of application of anion exchangers based on a copolymer of styrene and divinylbenzene with attached polyethyleneimine, quaternized with glycidol, the following conditions for their synthesis were varied: the amount of the added glycidol, temperature, and duration of synthesis. The influence of these factors on the capacity, selectivity, and efficiency of the resins in the mode of suppressed ion chromatography was studied; in addition, the stationary phases were studied in the mode of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography using the Tanaka test. It was shown that the synthesis conditions under study ensure the control of the capacity and selectivity of anion exchangers, while their hydrophilicity changes insignificantly. The behavior of oxoanions on covalently attached resins in the ion chromatography mode was studied for the first time, and the applicability of phases with quaternized polyethyleneimine in the hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography mode to the separation of sugars, amino acids, water-soluble vitamins, nucleosides, and nitrogenous bases was demonstrated for the first time.

Continuous-Flow Suzuki-Miyaura Coupling in Water and Organic Solvents Promoted by Blends of Stabilized Convoluted Polymeric Palladium Catalysts and Polymeric Auxiliary Materials.

Given that heterogeneous palladium-catalyzed C-C bond formation reactions under continuous-flow conditions are well suited for the efficient and safe production of pharmaceuticals and functional materials, the development of active and durable catalysts for this purpose is a matter of high practical significance. Here, a previously established molecular convolution methodology was used to synthesize catalysts for Suzuki-Miyaura coupling under flow conditions by blending convoluted polymeric palladium catalysts (prepared from copolymers of 4-vinylpyridine and 4-tert-butylstyrene) and crosslinked polymeric auxiliary materials (prepared from copolymers of divinylbenzene and 4-tert-butylstyrene). The optimal catalyst exhibited high performance and durability and allowed numerous biaryl products such as liquid-crystalline materials, organic electroluminescent materials, and pharmaceuticals to be continuously synthesized with turnover frequencies of up to 238 h-1 . In a demonstration of practical utility, the developed catalytic system was used for the continuous synthesis of two pharmaceuticals (felbinac and fenbufen) in water as the sole solvent.

Identification and Quantitation of Nicotine Polacrilex in Nicotine Pouches and Other Oral Nicotine Delivery Products

SUMMARY Nicotine polacrilex (CAS-No. 96055-45-7) can be used as the source of nicotine in nicotine pouches and other oral nicotine delivery products such as lozenges, tablets, and gums. The compound is the salt of nicotine with Amberlite IRP64, a copolymer of methacrylic acid and divinylbenzene. Present study describes a unique procedure to identify the presence of the compound nicotine polacrilex in oral nicotine delivery products and to evaluate its level. In oral nicotine delivery products, nicotine polacrilex is used in a mixture with other ingredients such as microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), maltitol, sweeteners, flavors, salts (such as Na2CO3, NaHCO3), water, etc. These ingredients make the analysis of the compound nicotine polacrilex by spectroscopic techniques such as IR or Raman difficult. Also, since nicotine polacrilex is insoluble in common solvents, the analysis using solutions is not possible. The study is also attempting to detect if the product contains only nicotine polacrilex or if it has additional nicotine in a different form (e.g., nicotine or nicotine tartrate). The analysis uses pyrolysis-GC/MS (Py-GC/MS) and the detection and quantitation of nicotine polacrilex is based on measuring the pyrolysis products of divinylbenzene (DVB) moiety from the Amberlite IRP64. The detection was proven very reliable by this procedure, while the quantitation showed some variability caused by the typical variability in the pyrolysis process. [Contrib. Tob. Nicotine Res. 32 (2023) 43–49]

SELECTIVE SORBENTS BASED ON DIAMINODICYCLOHEXYLCROWN ETHERS

Macromolecules with crown ether groups are a fundamentally new type of sorbents whose active centers are ligands that retain electrical neutrality in the process of simultaneous binding of cations, anions, or organic compounds. The purpose of this work is to create new selective sorbents based on diaminodicyclohexylcrown ethers and to study their complexing properties with respect to alkali metal ions. Methodology. To study the composition and properties of the products of the synthesis of crown ether-containing sorbents, chemical and physicochemical methods of analysis were used: infrared spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results and discussion. Chemical grafting of cycloaliphatic crown ethers onto a macroporous chloromethylated copolymer of styrene and divinylbenzene has been carried out. Under the chosen conditions, when using diaminodicyclohexyl-18-crown-6, polycrown ethers were obtained with a content of crown ether grains of 1.42 mmol/g, when using diaminodicyclohexyl-24-crown-8, the content of macrocyclic groups was 1.24 mmol/g. The extraction of alkali metals under static conditions by grafted sorbents based on various macrocycles has been studied. The high values of the distribution coefficients of alkali metals (Na+, K+, Cs+) by the synthesized sorbents in an acidic medium are shown. The following selectivity series were found for the sorbent with diaminodicyclohexyl-18-crown-6 fragments: K+ ˃ Cs + ˃ Na+, and for the sorbent with diaminodicyclohexyl-24-crown-8 fragments: Cs+ ˃ K+ ˃ Na+ metals. Conclusion. The efficiency of extracting metal ions from aqueous solutions containing Crown esters is affected by the presence of amino groups. It is known that the amino group promotes the formation of a polymer that swells in water. It was noted that the use of sorbents based on polymers that swell in water when metal salts are removed from the aqueous medium leads to an increase in the sorption capacity of sorbents by facilitating the access of metal ions in water to the active areas of the immobilized sorbent.

Phase change n-Octadecane microencapsulated in titanium dioxide nanoparticle-doped polymer for photothermal conversion and photocatalysis

We microencapsulated the n-Octadecane (ODE) with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticle-doped styrene–divinylbenzene copolymer (SDB) via the suspension polymerization. The TiO2 was grafted with 3-Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH560) to obtain amphiphilic properties in order to enhance their anchoring capability at the oil-aqueous interface. Emphasis is placed on analyzing how the TiO2 nanoparticles affect the multiple functions of the prepared microcapsules for heat storage, photothermal conversion, and photodegradation. Under scanning electron microscope, the microcapsules show generally spherical shapes with rough surface and good dispersibility. The thermophysical property of the microcapsules was examined via the differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analyzer. The microcapsules prepared with 4.0 wt% TiO2 had the highest thermal storage capacity with molten andcrystallized enthalpies of 105.3 ± 0.3 and 102.4 ± 0.7 J/g, respectively. The microcapsules with 4.0 wt% TiO2 achieved 48.0 ± 0.4% encapsulation. The doped-TiO2 nanoparticles improved the thermal stability of microcapsule samples. The initial decomposition temperature of the microcapsule sample with 4.0 wt% TiO2 is increased to 167.6 °C as compared to 115.1 °C for pure ODE. In the solar thermal conversion and photocatalytic tests, the microcapsule sample with 4.0 wt% TiO2 exhibited the best performance as well, with 42.80% photothermal conversion efficiency and 90.92% degradation rate. The multifunctional phase change microcapsules have broad application prospects as heat storage and depollution materials.

β-Phosphonated Glycine Pendant Groups Grafted on Styrene-6.7% Divinylbenzene Copolymers: Synthesis and Their Application as Photocatalysts

Environmental pollution from organic contaminants caused by textile dyeing is a real danger. Wastewater from the textile industry has high organic loads, as well as dyes and chemical compounds used in their preparation. Among the azo dyes, Congo red (CR) dye is widely used as a model in the experimental studies of textile wastewater treatment. Heterogeneous photocatalysis consists of UV or VIS light irradiation of various types of organic compounds in water in the presence of a solid catalyst; it is considered an important technique for the purification and reuse of aqueous effluents. In the present study, two novel compounds of β-phosphonate-type glycine pendant groups grafted on S-DVB copolymer were used for the decontamination of Congo red dye polluted water. They were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, EDX spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and UV-VIS spectroscopy. By using 25 mg/L initial concentration of Congo red dye and a catalyst concentration of 1 g/L and 240 min of irradiation, a photocatalysis efficiency of 98.6% in the case of [(diethyl)(phosphono)methylene]glycine pendant groups grafted on styrene-6.7% divinylbenzene copolymer (EthylAmAcid material), and of 83.1% in the case of [(dibenzyl)(phosphono)methylene]glycine pendant groups grafted on styrene-6.7% divinylbenzene copolymer (BenzylAmAcid material), respectively, was achieved.

Исследование новых макропористых катализаторов в процессе алкилирования фенола олигомерами этилена

The features of phenol alkylation by higher alpha-olefins in order to obtain mono-substituted alkylphenols (o-AF and p-AF) using commercial industrial samples of sulfocationites: Hydrolite ZG CD552, ND-102 and the line of catalysts Purolite CT275DR/4503, CT275DR/4883, CT151DR, CT169DR, which belong to macroporous and are in different price categories. A feature of these cationites is a particularly strong matrix of regularly cross-linked divinylbenzene styrene copolymer. The structure of the granules combines the increased rigidity of the polymer mesh with a highly developed surface of the pores for exchange, which provides a large concentration of available exchange groups and high diffusion permeability of the granules. A comparative analysis of the catalytic activity of alkylation catalysts was carried out, which showed that, despite the high activity of all the studied catalysts in the reaction of alkylation of phenol with ethylene oligomers (OE) of the C16-C18 fraction, most of the studied catalysts showed low thermal stability and showed a tendency to rapid mechanical destruction. During the research, optimal technological parameters for each catalyst were established, including temperature and molar ratio of reagents, providing maximum yields of the target monoalkylphenol at the level of 97-98 %.

Microencapsulated phase change n-Octadecane with high heat storage for application in building energy conservation

A novel type of microencapsulated phase change materials (microPCMs) with n-Octadecane core shelled by styrene–divinylbenzene copolymer were synthesized by the suspension polymerization. The morphologies and chemical compositions of the microPCMs with four different shell-to-core ratios were analyzed via the scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Based on the measurements from the thermogravimetric analyzers and differential scanning calorimetry, the thermal characteristics of the different microPCMs were analyzed. The results show that the sample microPCMs with 2:1 shell-to-core ratio (microPCM3) has good thermal stability and high heat storage capability, with melting enthalpy and encapsulation efficiency measured at 111.5 ± 0.7 J/g and 51.4 ± 0.7 %, respectively, which are the highest among all the prepared samples. The initial weight loss temperature of the microPCM3 increases to 160.5 ℃ compared to 115.5 ℃ for the pure n-Octadecane. Furthermore, we prepared four different building boards with different microPCM3 contents (0, 10, 20, or 30 wt%) in cement matrix. Compared to the conventional building material, the board with 30 wt% microPCM3 can store 67.82% more heat energy in the typical temperature range of 10–50 °C. We investigated the passive cooling and heating effects of the boards under extreme temperature conditions (10–70 °C), as well as their thermal regulation performance under multiple consecutive thermal cycling experiments. Compared with the cement board without addition of microPCM3, the board with 30 wt% microPCM3 has reduced temperature fluctuation by 59.0% with maximum temperature fluctuation only 23.5 °C. It has shown excellent thermal regulation and thermal insulation properties and is of great application potential in energy-saving buildings.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Coumarin Antimicrobial Polymer Fluorescent Coating

Polymer materials are widely used in medical materials, food packaging, coatings, and other fields. However, the surface of the materials is easily contaminated by microorganisms, resulting in serious problems. To solve this issue, a new type of antibacterial polymer fluorescent coating was successfully synthesized by copolymerization of divinylbenzene with 7-methacryloxy-4-methyl coumarin, dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate, and other monomers. The surface structure and thermal stability of the coating were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Fluorine was polymerized into the polymer, improving the thermal stability compared to polystyrene and polydivinylbenzene. The bactericidal and antibacterial adhesion properties of the coating materials were studied by a contact germicidal test and antibacterial adhesion test. The polymer had a strong inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus. After immersion in room temperature water, the film maintained its strong inhibitory effect on S. aureus fluorescence intensity and had high fluorescence stability.

A Simple, Efficient, Eco-Friendly Sample Preparation Procedure for the Simultaneous Determination of Hormones in Meat and Fish Products by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

Food safety can be severely compromised by the presence of chemical contaminants. This has raised a pressing need to develop efficient analytical methods for their determination at very low levels in complex food matrices. In this manuscript, we developed a simple, sensitive, fast, green analytical method for the determination of thirteen natural and synthetic hormones from different families including progestogens, estrogens and androgens in meat and fish products. The method involves direct extraction with a (9:1) acetonitrile–water mixture and subsequent purification of the extract by semi-automated solid-phase extraction on a sorbent column (hydrophilic–lipophilic copolymer of N-vinylpyrrolidone and divinylbenzene). This treatment enriches samples with the target compounds while removing proteins, lipids and other potential interferences from their matrix for the accurate determination of the analytes by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, all within 15 min. The proposed method exhibits good linearity (r ≥ 0.996), low limits of detection (0.4–15 ng/kg), acceptable recoveries (90–105%) and relative standard deviations (≤7%); in addition, it is scarcely subject to matrix effects (1–20%). The method was successfully used to determine natural and synthetic hormones in meat and fish products from Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Greece, Norway, Morocco and the USA. The analytes were found at especially high levels (30–1900 ng/kg) in mussels, beef and pork.

Unbreakable Hydrogels with Self-Recoverable 10 200% Stretchability.

Design of tough hydrogels maintaining structural integrity under multivariable mechanical loads remains hugely challenging because the anticipated characteristics such as stretchability, strength, toughness, and fracture resistance can hardly be compatible. Herein, a simple but robust hydrogel network formed by copolymerization of divinyl benzene with acrylamide in micellar solutions for ultra-high fracture resistance and self-recoverable stretchability is proposed. The network provides dynamic association of hydrophobic domains and homogeneous crosslinking of hydrophilic chains, which shows step-by-step deformation process. The dynamic associations allow recoverable small deformations, then the homogeneous crosslinking ensures reversible unfolding and alignment of polymer chains to self-strengthen for ultra-large deformations without crack propagations. The resultant hydrogels exhibit comprehensive unbreakable feature with self-recoverable ultra-high stretchability (100% recovery from 10 200% strain), superior fracture resistance (toughness > 26kJ m-2 ), and anticrack propagation and fatigue (fatigue threshold: ≈2.5kJ m-2 ). Even the prenotched hydrogels can undergo tens cyclic loads at 10 200% strain and thousands cyclic loads at 200% strain without noticeable changes in mechanical performance. The robust network prepared from homogeneous hydrophobic crosslinking provides a facile approach and a new mechanism to explore tough hydrogels with superior antifracture and extreme self-recoverable deformability for diverse applications.

Efficiently and directly produce triacetylglycerol from oils and fats over mesoporous polymeric solid acid catalysts

A series of mesoporous solid acid catalysts (PDS-x) with large BET surface area, superior thermal stability, strong sulfonic acid groups and tunable Brønsted acidity were synthesized by the copolymerization of divinylbenzene (DVB) and sodium p-styrenesulfonate (SPSS). The PDS-x catalysts showed high activity on the direct and efficient production of triacetylglycerol (TAG) via acyl exchange reaction of oils (fats) and acetic acid. The highest TAG yield of 93.0 mol% was obtained on the PDS-x catalysts at a mild condition of 200 °C. By combining SEM, TEM, FT-IR/DRIFTS, BET, XRD, XPS, EA, 31P MAS NMR and TG-DTG, the key factors that affected the TAG yield were clarified on the PDS-x catalysts. Moreover, the origin of the slow deactivation on these catalysts was elucidated. The large BET surface area and abundant mesopores of catalysts allowed the contact of large-sized oils (fats) with the strong sulfonic acid groups, accounting for the high TAG yield.

Anion exchange and extraction chromatography tandem column isolation of zirconium-89 (89Zr) from cyclotron bombarded targets using an automated fluidic platform

The long-lived positron emitter 89Zr is a highly promising nuclide employed in diagnostic Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging. Methods of radiochemical processing to obtain 89Zr for clinical use are traditionally performed with a single hydroxamate resin column. Herein, we present a tandem column purification method for the preparation of high-purity 89Zr from cyclotron bombarded natural Y metal foils. The primary column is a macroporous, strongly basic anion exchange resin on styrene divinylbenzene co-polymer. The secondary microcolumn, with an internal volume of 33 μL, is packed with an extraction chromatography resin (ExCR) loaded with di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP). A condition of “inverted selectivity” is presented, wherein the 89Zr elution from the primary column is synonymous with the load condition on the secondary column. The ability to transfer 89Zr from one column to the next allows two sequential purification steps to be performed prior to the final elution of the 89Zr product. This approach assures delivery of high purity 89Zr. The tandem column purification process has been implemented into a prototype automated fluidic system. Optimization of the method is presented, followed by evaluation of the process using seven cyclotron bombarded Y metal foil targets. Once optimized, we found that 93.7 ± 2.3% of the 89Zr present in the foils was recovered in the secondary column elution fraction (0.8 M oxalic acid). Radiochromatograms of the product elution peaks enabled determination of full width at half-maximum (FWHM) and 89Zr collection yields as a function of volume. Because of the small size of the secondary microcolumn, a 89Zr product volume of ∼0.28 mL is reported, which provides a substantially increased nuclide concentration over traditional methods. Finally, we evaluated the transchelation of the resulting 89Zr oxalate product to deferoxamine mesylate (DFOM) salt. We observed effective specific activities (ESA) and bindable metals concentrations ([MB]) that exceed those reported by the traditional single hydroxamate column method.

Desalination of Neutral Amino Acid Solutions in an Electromembrane System.

This article’s main focus is to highlight significant aspects of amino acid solution demineralization. The main part of the amino acid production method requires the provision of downstream treatment solutions for the process of desalination. Electrodialysis (ED) and electrodeionization (EDI) are prospective technologies for such treatment. The article presents a brief review of the first studies and current research on electromembrane desalination of amino acid solutions as well as the analysis of some electrochemical features for the mineral salt–amino acid system (model solution) in an ED process based on the experimental results. The influence of various factors on the desalination of neutral amino acid-containing solutions and on target product losses in this process is estimated. The behavior of aliphatic (alanine) and aromatic (phenylalanine) amino acids in the electromembrane system is considered in mixed solutions with inorganic electrolytes. The influence of various mineral cations (Na+, K+ and NH4+) and anions (NO3−, SO42−, Cl−) on the features of the transport and current–voltage characteristics of ion-exchange membranes in the electrodialysis of phenylalanine- and alanine-containing solutions is considered. A comparative analysis of the desalination parameters of AA solutions in electrodialysis with the following pairs of heterogeneous MA-41/MK-40, MA-40/MK-40 and homogeneous AMT/CMT membranes is carried out. The minimum amount of amino acid loss along with rather high values of the degree of desalination are revealed in electrodialysis with polypropylene spacers in comparison with EDI, ED with a copolymer of styrene and divinylbenzene as spacer, as well as ED with a smooth deionization channel. At the same time, EDI is the most promising method to reach the highest desalination degree in the considered range of mineral salt content.

Carboxylic functionalized mesoporous polymers for fast, highly efficient, selective and reversible adsorption of ammonia

Developing an effective method for separation of NH3 from N2, H2 and CO2 is highly desired not only for the advancement of Haber-Bosch process, but also for protection of the environment. Here, we report synthesis of carboxylic functionalized mesoporous polymers by copolymerization of divinylbenzene (DVB) and acrylic acid (AA) through a one-pot solvothermal route. The mesoporous structure and acidic site concentration of these polymers can be adjusted by changing the amounts of monomers used. Such polymers display fast, highly efficient and selective adsorption of NH3 that is better than that of most other solid sorbents in the literature, especially in terms of NH3 adsorption selectivity against N2, H2 and CO2. The adsorption of NH3 by these polymers is also highly reversible, making them promising solid sorbents for production of high-purity NH3.

Forensic discrimination of polyester fibers using gel permeation chromatography

Gel permeation chromatography (GPC)/size exclusion chromatography was developed for the forensic discrimination of polyester fibers. Fibers were dissolved with 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol and chloroform, and applied to liquid chromatography (LC) using tandemly coupled two styrene–divinylbenzene co-polymer GPC columns, chloroform mobile phase, 254 nm light absorbance monitoring, and using the polystyrene standards as molecular weight (MW) calibration reference compounds. Polyester polymers were eluted as the main tailing peaks followed by small low-MW peaks that included cyclic ethylene terephthalate trimer, which was assigned by LC-mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Fibers were discriminated using the GPC parameters of weight average MW (Mw), Mw/number average MW (polydispersity index, PDI), and percentage peak area of low-MW peak (PPAL). Reproducible GPC was achieved through controlled injection amount (3–16 μg fiber). Inter-sample coefficient of variance (CV) in Mw, PDI, and PPAL for one poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fiber was measured as 0.01, 0.02 and 0.016, respectively, and used as configurated CV for the discrimination between fiber pairs. The normalized variances for Mw, PDI, and PPAL were summed, and the square root was calculated. A value exceeding 2 indicated significant discrimination in the three-dimensional 2 σ criteria. A comparison of 37 PET fibers (Microtrace Forensic Fiber Reference Collection, commercial polyester shirts, in-house manufactured PET yarns) was executed for GPC. Only 5.1% of the combinations could not be discriminated between the two different fibers. Site differences in the commercial PET shirts were found, where fibers taken from the neck sites were significantly different from those of the chest and sleeve.

Beaded 4-Vinylpyridine–Styrene–Divinylbenzene Copolymer: Synthesis and Catalytic Activity in the Formation of Organic Carbonates from Epoxides and CO2

A beaded 4-vinylpyridine–styrene–divinylbenzene copolymer was obtained and modified by the quaternization of the pyridine units with 2-chloroethanol and the anion exchange with iodine. The resulting ionic polymer can be recycled for seven consecutive runs without loss of conversion in the addition of CO2 to epoxides.

Crosslinked 4-Vinylpyridine Monodisperse Functional Microspheres for Sorption of Ibuprofen and Ketoprofen

Nowadays, ibuprofen and ketoprofen are widely used over-the-counter medications to treat inflammation, fever, or pain. Their high consumption and improper disposal cause them to get into the environment and often pollute surface water. In this study, the new polymeric porous microspheres based on 4-vinylpyridine (4VP) are presented as effective sorbents for ibuprofen and ketoprofen preconcentration and removal. The porous microspheres were obtained via seed swelling polymerization with the use of two types of methacrylate crosslinkers, i.e., trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TRIM) and 1,4-dimethacryloiloxybenzene (14DMB). Additionally, as a reference sorbent, a copolymer of styrene and divinylbenzene was obtained. Porous structure investigations showed that the microspheres possess a specific surface area of about 100 m2/g, but noticeable differences were observed in their internal topography depending on the type of crosslinker used. Moreover, the porous structure of dry and swollen microspheres differs significantly. Swollen copolymers reveal the presence of micropores. The 4VP microspheres are characterized by high thermal stability; their initial decomposition temperature is about 300 °C. The performance of the 4VP copolymers as sorbents in aqueous solutions of drugs was evaluated in static and dynamic modes at three pH values of 3, 7, and 11. The highest sorption efficiency was obtained for ibuprofen and ketoprofen in pH 3. Both 4VP copolymers indicate the high sorption capacity in a static sorption as follows: towards ketoprofen of about 40 mg/g whereas towards ibuprofen of about 90 mg/g and 75 mg/g on copolymer crosslinked with trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate and 1,4-dimethacryloiloxybenzene, respectively. The recovery of ibuprofen and ketoprofen after dynamic sorption experiments was higher than 90%.

New Polymeric Adsorbents Functionalized with Aminobenzoic Groups for the Removal of Residual Antibiotics.

In this paper, we present the synthesis of new polymeric adsorbents derived from macroporous chloromethylated styrene–divinylbenzene (DVB) copolymers with different cross-linking degrees functionalized with the following aminobenzoic groups: styrene—6.7% DVB (PAB1), styrene—10% DVB (PAB2), and styrene—15% DVB (PAB3). The new polymeric products, PAB1, PAB2, and PAB3, were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and EDX, SEM, and BET analysis, respectively. The evolution of the functionalization reaction was followed by FTIR spectroscopy, which revealed a decrease in the intensity of the γCH2Cl band at 1260 cm−1, and, simultaneously, the appearance of C=O carboxylic bands from 1685–1695 cm−1 and at 1748 cm−1. The thermal stability increased with the increase in the cross-linking degree. The data obtained from the EDX analysis of the novel cross-linked copolymers confirmed the functionalization with aminobenzoic groups through the presence and content of nitrogen, as follows: PAB1: N% = 0.47; PAB2: N% = 0.85; and PAB3: N% = 1.30. The adsorption performances of the novel polymeric adsorbents, PAB1, PAB2, and PAB3, were tested in the adsorption of three antibiotics, tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, and amoxicillin, from aqueous solutions, by using extensive kinetic, equilibrium, and thermodynamic studies. The best adsorption capacity was demonstrated by the tetracycline. Amoxicillin adsorption was also attempted, but it did not show positive results.