Functionalization of loofah fibers via surface-initiated AGET ATRP for synergic adsorption of multiple pollutants from water

Poly(N-hydroxymethyl acrylamide) was grafted from loofah fibers by surface-initiated activators generated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerization (AGET ATRP) for synergic adsorption of Cd2+ and acid blue 25 (AB25). The adsorption behaviors towards Cd2+ and AB25 in respective single and binary systems were investigated by batch technique. The adsorption capacity of AB25 decreased when the solution pH increased from 1 to 6, but the adsorption capacity of Cd2+ increased with the pH value. In the binary mixture of Cd2+ and AB25, the presence of AB25 significantly enhanced the adsorption capacity of Cd2+, while the adsorption amount of AB25 was not affected by the presence of Cd2+. The functionalized loofah fibers exhibited good reusability and was qualified for practical application.