Synthesis of N-methylglucamine functionalized calix[4]arene based magnetic sporopollenin for the removal of boron from aqueous environment

The present study deals with the synthesis of new N-methylglucamine functionalized calix[4]arene based magnetic sporopollenin (4) and its application for the removal of boron from aqueous environment. The newly prepared calix[4]arene immobilized material 4 is characterized by SEM, EDS and FT-IR spectroscopy. The sorption efficiency of newly calix[4]arene-based magnetic material 4 for boron from aqueous media was evaluated through the solid–liquid sorption experiments. During the sorption process, various kinds of interactions such as electrostatic repulsion, deprotonation of the hydroxyl groups of sorbent 4, and dissociation of H3BO3 into anions/cations were monitored. The sorption of boron on material 4 is highly pH dependent and significant percent sorption (84%) was achieved at pH = 7.5. The sorption behavior was analyzed by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The values of correlation coefficients (R2) showed that the Langmuir isotherm model found to be best fit. Experimental data revealed that material 4 is an efficient sorbent which can be effectively used for the boron decontamination of aqueous media.

► Synthesis of new N-methylglucamine functionalized calix[4]arene based magnetic sporopollenin
► Application of calix[4]arene-based magnetic material for boron sorption
► The boron sorption is highly dependent on salinity as well as pH of boron solution.