Removal of nickel(II) from aqueous solutions using iminodiacetic acid functionalized polyglycidyl methacrylate grafted-carbon fibers

•Iminodiacetic acid functionalized polyglycidyl methacrylate could uptake nickel from aqueous solutions.•Iminodiacetic acid functionalized polyglycidyl methacrylate grafted-carbon fibers are good adsorbent for nickel.

Iminodiacetic acid functionalized polyglycidyl methacrylate grafted-carbon fibers (PGMA-IDA/CFs) were prepared for Ni(II) removal from aqueous solutions. The effects of solution pH value, temperature and adsorption time were investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity of Ni(II) on PGMA-IDA/CFs is 0.923 mmol·L− 1 · g− 1 at pH 5.2 and 50 °C. Kinetic data indicate that the adsorption process matches the pseudo-second-order model and Elovich kinetic model. Thermodynamic data suggest that the adsorption process is endothermic spontaneous reaction.

Graphical abstractPreparation of iminodiacetic acid functionalized polyglycidyl meth-acrylate grafted-carbon fibers (PGMA-IDA/CFs): (i) synthesis of diazonium salt BF4−,+N2–C6H4–CH–(CH3)-Br; (ii) electrochemical treatment of carbon fibers; (iii) surface-initiated ATRP of GMA monomers; (iv) modification of PGMA/CFs.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide