Efficient adsorption of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquids onto modified cellulose microspheres

A novel sulfonated cellulose microsphere adsorbent (CGS) was prepared by pre-irradiation induced emulsion grafting of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto the cellulose microsphere, followed by sulfonation. The resulting CGS exhibited superior adsorption ability toward 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([CnMIM]Cl) ionic liquids (ILs). The adsorption equilibrium could be attained rapidly within 40 min for representative 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C4MIM]Cl) using CGS with different amounts of SO3H group. The adsorption behavior of CGS toward [C4MIM]Cl was well described by the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity toward [C4MIM]Cl was 1.08 mmol/g in the wide range of pH (4.8-10.1). In addition, the adsorption capacity of CGS toward [CnMIM]Cl increased with the alkyl length of cations of [CnMIM]Cl due to the hydrophobic interaction and cation exchange adsorption. Spent CGS could be easily regenerated by 0.1 mol/L HCl or NaCl. The results indicated that this new adsorbent is useful in removing ILs from wastewater.