Synthesis of poly (m-phenylenediamine) with improved properties and superior prospect for Cr(VI) removal

Chemically oxidative polymerization of m-phenylenediamine was improved through adding the weak alkaline, Na2CO3. Results show that the poly (m-phenylenediamine) (PmPD) possesses a weak solubility in acidic solution according to total organic carbon (TOC) that the TOC is less than 8 mg/L, which is much lower than the discharge standard (20 mg/L). The TOC of the PmPD synthesized with NaOH can be as high as 120.9 mg/L. This very weak solubility of PmPD synthesized with Na2CO3 facilitates its application in water purification. The oxidation state of PmPD is decreased and the yield is increased with a maximum of 84%, promoting the concentration of Na2CO3 in the synthesis. Moreover, the Cr(VI) performance of PmPD was marvelously enhanced with Na2CO3 to improve the synthesis. The largest Cr(VI) adsorbance can reach as high as 666.8 mg/g, which is far more than the performance of other common adsorbents.