Chelator-mimetic multi-functionalized hydrogel: Highly efficient and reusable sorbent for Cd, Pb, and As removal from waste water

Medically inspired hydrogels were successfully synthesized by mimicking the structure of current chelating agents. Thioglycolic acid modified polyallylamine (PAAm/TGA) and Dihydroxybenzoic acid-Thioglycolic modified polyallylamine (PAAm/TGA/DHBA) were synthesized following a simple conjugation process. These hydrogels exhibit high affinity, low cost, and high re-usability efficiency. The maximum sorption capacities were significantly higher than those sorbents currently in use. The kinetic study of the hydrogels demonstrated that almost 50% removal occurred in less than 5 min. Additionally, the hydrogel exhibited excellent re-usability, maintaining their efficiency in 5 consecutive cycles. These results suggest that these hydrogels can be considered to be potential agents to be used in waste/produced water treatment.