Hydrophobic–hydrophilic post-cross-linked polystyrene/poly (methyl acryloyl diethylenetriamine) interpenetrating polymer networks and its adsorption properties

In this study, we developed an effective approach for increasing the equilibrium adsorption capacity of the interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) toward polar aromatic compounds. For this purpose, a novel post-cross-linked polystyrene/poly (methyl acryloyl diethylenetriamine) (CMPS_pc/PMADETA) IPNs was synthesized and its adsorption was evaluated from aqueous solution using p-hydroxybenzoic acid as the adsorbate. CMPS_pc/PMADETA IPNs possessed a relatively high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and hydrophobic networks as well as hydrophilic networks, inducing a much enhanced adsorption toward p-hydroxybenzoic acid. The equilibrium adsorption capacity of p-hydroxybenzoic acid on CMPS_pc/PMADETA IPNs was remarkably larger than that on its precursors and the equilibrium data were correlated better by Sips model than the Langmuir and Freundlich models. Furthermore, the adsorption was a fast process, and the micropore diffusion model characterized the kinetic data very well. At a feed concentration of 1060.8 mg/L and a flow rate of 10.8 BV/h, the dynamic adsorption capacity was calculated to be 200.8 mg/mL wet resin.

The CMPS_pc/PMADETA IPNs had a relatively enhanced adsorption to p-hydroxybenzoic acid.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (136 K)Download as PowerPoint slide