Synthesis of amphiphilic block copolyamines via click reaction

•Convergent strategy to synthesize amphiphilic polyamines using click and RAFT.•Composition was studied in detail using NMR and GPC analyses.•Different morphologies were formed by dropcasting in chloroform and DMF.•Good extraction efficiency for metal ions, NPs and organic dyes from water.

Amine functional polymers have been used in many applications owing to their interesting properties, but are unstable under ambient conditions. Here we report the synthesis of four diblock polyamines using a reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization followed by click chemistry. Four amphiphilic block copolyamines P1–P4 were synthesized and fully characterized using different spectroscopic and physicochemical techniques. Self-assembly of the polymers shows porous films and spherical particles under different conditions. The polymers were used for the liquid–liquid extraction and solid–liquid extraction of pollutants such as metal nanoparticles, organic dyes and heavy metal ions from water. All polymers showed good extraction efficiency towards nanoparticles and anionic dyes. Such stable and processable polyamines can be explored for potential applications in many areas.

Graphical abstractHighly stable and processable diblock copolyamines were prepared and used for the removal of pollutants from water.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide