Preparation of polymeric microspheres for removal of boron by means of sorption-membrane filtration hybrid

Three types of polymeric microspheres with different amounts of vinylbenzyl chloride-styrene-divinylbenzene monomers were prepared. The synthesized particles were obtained by membrane emulsification followed by suspension polymerization. Optimization of emulsification and polymerization parameters allowed to obtain microspheres with 30 μm diameter and narrow size distribution. Synthesized microspheres were modified with N-methyl-D-glucamine at reflux and in a microwave reactor. The resins were tested in sorption of boron from aqueous solutions and compared to commercial materials. It was noted that resin obtained in microwave modification showed the best sorption properties.

Research highlights
► Microspheres of boron selective resins.
► Sorption membrane filtration hybrid.
► Preparation of microspheres.
► Membrane emulsification.
► Microwave surface modification.