Synthesis of functionalized phenolformaldehyde polymer resins by the reaction of 2,4‐dihydroxyacetophenone formaldehyde resin with various amines and their metal ion uptake properties

A series of functionalized phenolformaldehyde polymer resins have been synthesized by the reaction of 2,4‐dihydroxyacetophenone‐formaldehyde resin with the amines, such as ethanolamine, aminophenol, ethylenediamine, and propylenediamine in dichloromethane. The Schiffbase polymers were characterized by IR and ¹H‐NMR spectroscopic techniques. Thermal stabilities of the polymers were determined by TG and DTA studies. Heavy and toxic metal ions viz., Pb(II), Hg(II), Cd(II), and Cr(VI) have been removed using these polymer resins. Metal uptake efficiency, reusability, effect of pH, effect of time, and effect of initial concentration on the metal uptake were also studied. Amount of metal removed by the resin was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The retention properties were also tested under competitive conditions and were found to be depend strongly on the pH. Elution of metal ions were investigated in acid media. The uptake behaviour of the resins was approximately described by Freundlich's equation. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 1501–1509, 2004     

Metal‐ion‐retention properties of the poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanosulfonic acid‐co‐4‐vinyl pyridine) resin

The water‐insoluble resin poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanosulfonic acid‐co‐4‐vinyl pyridine), through a radical polymerization solution, was synthesized with ammonium persulfate as an initiator and N,N‐methylene bisacrylamide as a crosslinking reagent. The metal‐ion‐retention properties were studied by batch and column equilibrium procedures for the following metal ions: Hg(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Pb(II), and Cr(III). These properties were investigated under competitive and noncompetitive conditions. The effects of the pH, maximum retention capacity, and regeneration capacity were studied. The resin showed a high retention ability for Hg(II) ions at pH 2.0. The retention of Hg(II) ions from a mixture of ions was greater than 90%. The resin showed a high selectivity for Hg(II) with respect to other metal ions. The Hg(II)‐loaded resin was able to be recovered with 4M HClO₄. The retention capacity was kept after four cycles of adsorption and desorption. The retention properties for Hg(II) were very similar with the batch and column methods. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 3556–3562, 2003     

High‐retention properties for Hg(II) ions of a resin containing ammonium and pyridine groups

The metal‐ion uptake behavior of the chelating resin poly([(3‐(methacryloylamino)propyl] trimethyl ammonium chloride‐co‐4‐vinyl pyridine) has been investigated. The resin is obtained by radical copolymerization in a yield of 99.6%. The hydrophilic resin shows a high retention capacity and selectivity toward Hg(II) ions in the presence of Cu(II), Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), and Cr(III) ions. A retention of Hg(II) higher than 99% is observed after 5 min. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 2595–2599, 2002     

Metal‐chelating properties of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate–methacryloylamidohistidine) membranes

Metal‐chelating membranes have advantages as adsorbents in comparison with conventional beads because they are not compressible and they eliminate internal diffusion limitations. The aim of this study was to explore in detail the performance of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate–methacryloylamidohistidine) [poly(HEMA–MAH)] membranes for the removal of three toxic heavy‐metal ions—Cd(II), Pb(II), and Hg(II)—from aquatic systems. The poly(HEMA–MAH) membranes were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy. The adsorption capacity of the poly(HEMA–MAH) membranes for the selected heavy‐metal ions from aqueous media containing different amounts of these ions (30–500 mg/L) and at different pH values (3.0–7.0) was investigated. The adsorption capacity of the membranes increased with time during the first 60 min and then leveled off toward the equilibrium adsorption. The maximum amounts of the heavy‐metal ions adsorbed were 8.2, 31.5, and 23.2 mg/g for Cd(II), Pb(II), and Hg(II), respectively. The competitive adsorption of the metal ions was also studied. When the metal ions competed, the adsorbed amounts were 2.9 mg of Cd(II)/g, 14.8 mg of Pb(II)/g, and 9.4 mg of Hg(II)/g. The poly(HEMA–MAH) membranes could be regenerated via washing with a solution of nitric acid (0.01M). The desorption ratio was as high as 97%. These membranes were suitable for repeated use for more than three adsorption/desorption cycles with negligible loss in the adsorption capacity. The stability constants for the metal‐ion/2‐methacryloylamidohistidine complexes were calculated to be 3.47 × 10⁶, 7.75 × 10⁷, and 2.01 × 10⁷ L/mol for Cd(II), Pb(II), and Hg(II) ions, respectively, with the Ruzic method. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 1213–1219, 2005     

Preparation and Characterization of the Newly Synthesized Metal‐Complexing‐Ligand N‐Methacryloylhistidine Having PHEMA Beads for Heavy Metal Removal from Aqueous Solutions

The aim of this study was to investigate in detail the performance for removal of heavy metal ions of beads composed of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) to which N‐methacryloylhistidine (MAH) was copolymerized. The metal‐complexing ligand MAH was synthesized by using methacryloyl chloride and histidine. Spherical beads with an average size of 150–200 μm were obtained by the radical suspension polymerization of MAH and HEMA conducted in an aqueous dispersion medium. Owing to the reasonably rough character of the bead surface, p(HEMA‐MAH) beads had a specific surface area of 17.6 m²/g. The synthesized MAH monomer was characterized by NMR; p(HEMA‐MAH) beads were characterized by swelling studies, FTIR and elemental analysis. The p(HEMA‐MAH) beads with a swelling ratio of 65%, and containing 1.6 mmol MAH/g, were used in the adsorption/desorption experiments. Adsorption capacity of the beads for the selected metal ions, i. e., Cu(II), Cd(II), Cr(III), Hg(II) and Pb(II), were investigated in aqueous media containing different amounts of these ions (10–750 mg/L) and at different pH values (3.0–7.0). Adsorption equilibria were established in about 20 min. The maximum adsorption capacities of the p(HEMA‐MAH) beads were 122.7 mg/g for Cu(II), 468.8 mg/g for Cr(III), 639.4 mg/g for Cd(II), 714.1 mg/g for Pb(II) and 1 234.4 mg/g for Hg(II). pH significantly affected the adsorption capacity of MAH incorporated beads. The chelating beads can be easily regenerated by 0.1 M HNO₃ with high effectiveness. These features make p(HEMA‐MAH) beads a potential candidate for heavy metal removal at high capacity.     

Resin I: Synthesis,characterization, and ion‐exchange properties of terpolymer resins derived from 2,4‐dihydroxypropiophenone,biuret, and formaldehyde

Terpolymers (2,4‐DHPBF) were synthesized by the condensation of 2,4‐dihydro‐xypropiophenone, biuret, and formaldehyde in the presence of acid catalyst with varying the molar ratio of reacting monomers. Terpolymer composition has been determined on the basis of their elemental analysis and their number–average molecular weight of these resin were determined by conductometric titration in nonaqueous medium. The viscosity measurements were carried out in N,N‐dimethyl formamide which indicate normal behavior. IR spectra were studied to elucidate the structure. The terpolymer resin has been further characterized by UV–visible and ¹H‐NMR spectra. The newly synthesized terpolymers proved to be selective chelating ion‐exchange terpolymers for certain metals. The chelating ion‐exchange properties of this terpolymer was studied for Fe (III), Cu (II), Hg (II), Cd (II), Co (II), Zn (II), Ni (II), and Pb (II) ions. A batch equilibrium method was employed in the study of the selectivity of metal ion uptake involving the measurement of the distribution of a given metal ion between the terpolymer sample and a solution containing the metal ion. The study was carried out over a wide pH range and in media of various ionic strengths. The terpolymer showed a higher selectivity for Fe (III), Hg (II), Cd (II), and Pb (II) ions than for Cu (II), Co (II), Zn (II), and Ni (II) ions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Adsorption of heavy‐metal ions on poly(ethylene imine)‐immobilized poly(methyl methacrylate) microspheres

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microspheres carrying poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) were prepared for the removal of heavy‐metal ions (copper, cadmium, and lead) from aqueous solutions with different amounts of these ions (50–600 mg/L) and different pH values (3.0–7.0). Ester groups in the PMMA structures were converted to imine groups in a reaction with PEI as a metal‐chelating ligand in the presence of NaH. The adsorption of heavy‐metal ions on the unmodified PMMA microspheres was very low [3.6 μmol/g for Cu(II), 4.6 μmol/g for Cd(II), and 4.2 μmol/g for Pb(II)]. PEI immobilization significantly increased the heavy‐metal adsorption [0.224 mmol/g for Cu(II), 0.276 mmol/g for Cd(II), and 0.126 mmol/g for Pb(II)]. The affinity order of adsorption (in moles) was Cd(II) > Cu(II) > Pb(II). The adsorption of heavy‐metal ions increased with increasing pH and reached a plateau value around pH 5.5. Their adsorption behavior was approximately described with the Langmuir equation. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 197–205, 2001     

Polarographic determination of the competitive adsorption of U(VI), Pb(II), and Cd(II) ions on poly(N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone‐g‐citric acid) hydrogels

Poly(N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone‐g‐citric acid) [P(VP‐g‐CA)] hydrogels were prepared for the removal of U(VI), Pb(II), and Cd(II) from aqueous solutions containing different amounts of these ions (2.5–10 mg/L). Different pHs (1–13), temperatures (20–40°C), and ionic strengths (0.5M) were also tried for the adsorption behavior of these ions. The competitive adsorption values of U(VI), Pb(II), and Cd(II) ions on pure poly(N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) were low [0.71–2.03 mg of U(VI)/g of dry gel, 0.15–1.58 mg of Pb(II)/g of dry gel, and 0.10–0.68 mg of Cd(II)/g of dry gel]. The incorporation of citric acid significantly increased the adsorption of these ions [0.67–2.12 mg of U(VI)/g of dry gel, 0.44–1.88 mg of Pb(II)/g of dry gel, and 0.04–0.92 mg of Cd(II)/g of dry gel for P(VP‐g‐CA)‐1; 0.71–2.36 mg of U(VI)/g of dry gel, 0.60–2.16 mg of Pb(II)/g of dry gel, and 0.14–0.80 mg of Cd(II)/g of dry gel for P(VP‐g‐CA)‐2; and 0.79–2.47 mg of U(VI)/g of dry gel, 0.70–2.30 mg of Pb(II)/g of dry gel, and 0.20–0.86 mg of Cd(II)/g of dry gel for P(VP‐g‐CA)‐3]. The observed affinity order of adsorption was U(VI) > Pb(II) > Cd(II) for competitive conditions. The optimal pH range for the removal of these ions was 5–9. Competitive adsorption studies showed that other stimuli, such as the temperature and ionic strength of the solution, also influenced the U(VI), Pb(II), and Cd(II) adsorption capacity of P(VP‐g‐CA) hydrogels. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 2019–2024, 2003     

Metal ion adsorption behavior of poly[3‐(dimethylamine)propyl acrylate] and poly[3‐(dimethylamine)propylacrylate‐co‐acrylic acid] resins

Two resins were synthesized by radical polymerization using N,N′‐methylene‐bis‐acrylamide and ammonium persulfate as the crosslinking reagent and initiator, respectively. The yields were 98%. The resins were characterized by FTIR and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. Sorption behavior of resins toward Hg(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Pb(II), and Cr(III) ions was studied at different pHs depending on the metal ion. Both resins showed selective sorption to Hg(II) ions at pH 2 from a mixture of all ions.The elution of Hg(II) bound to the resins was also investigated using perchloric acid at different concentrations. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 84: 1251–1256, 2002; DOI 10.1002/app.10455     

Selective binding of mercury ions by poly(4‐vinylpyridine) hydrochloride resin

The binding ability of poly(4‐vinylpyridine) hydrochloride resin for Cu(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Hg(II), Pb(II), Cr(III), and U(VI) was investigated. All these ions, except Hg(II), could be not removed from aqueous solutions under the same conditions. The selective sorption of Hg(II) from mixtures of ions was observed. The elution of Hg(II) bound to the resin was also investigated using various concentrations of nitric acid and perchloric acid. Due to rapid complexation, a high mercury ion‐binding capacity, high selectivity, and ease of regenerability, the resin can be useful for the removal and recovery of mercury ions from aqueous solutions. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 74: 1557–1562, 1999     

Synthesis,characterization and polychelatogenic properties of poly[(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonic acid)‐co‐(methacrylic acid)]

Poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid), poly(methacrylic acid), and five copolymers of poly[(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid)‐co‐(methacrylic acid)] were synthesized by radical polymerization and obtained in yields >97%. The polymers were characterized by FT‐IR, [¹H]NMR, and [¹³C]NMR and studied by means of the Liquid‐phase Polymer‐based Retention (LPR) technique. The metal ion retention ability of the copolymers for Cu(II), Cd(II), Co(II), Hg(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cr(III) and Ag(I) was investigated at different pH values because of their environmental and analytical interest. The retention profiles of the copolymers were compared with those of the corresponding homopolymers and retention of metal ions was found to increase with increasing pH. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis and analytical application of a chelating resin based on a crosslinked styrene/maleic acid copolymer for the extraction of trace‐metal ions

A new chelating polymer sorbent was synthesized through the copolymerization of styrene and maleic anhydride in the presence of divinyl benzene as the crosslinking agent, followed by hydrolysis. This polymeric resin, bearing O donor groups, had the advantage of being stable in basic and saline media, unlike its linear analogue. This newly developed chelating matrix has a high resin capacity for metal ions such as Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, and Pb. Various physicochemical parameters, such as the pH, volume, and flow rate, and the interference effect on metal uptake were studied. The sorption capacities of the crosslinked resin for Cr(III), Fe(III), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Pb(II) were 10.2, 14.3, 14.2, 15.4, and 8.8 mg/g, respectively. A high recovery of 98% was obtained for all the metal ions with 2N HCl as the eluting agent. The chelating resin was characterized by swelling studies, Fourier transform infrared, elemental analysis, X‐ray studies, and thermal analysis. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms were used to validate the metal‐uptake data. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1771–1779, 2004     

Water‐soluble copolymers of 1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone and acrylamide derivatives: synthesis,characterization, and metal binding capability studied by liquid‐phase polymer‐based retention technique

Radical copolymerizations of 1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone with acrylamide and N,N′‐dimethylacrylamide at different feed ratios were investigated. The copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The copolymer composition was determined from the ¹H NMR spectra and found to be statistical. The metal complexation of poly(acrylamide‐co‐1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) and poly(N,N′‐dimethylacrylamide‐co‐1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) for the metal ions Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Pb(II), Fe(III), and Cr(III) were investigated in an aqueous phase. The liquid‐phase polymer‐based retention method is based on the retention of inorganic ions by soluble polymers in a membrane filtration cell and subsequent separation of low‐molecular compounds from the polymer complex formed. The metal ion interaction with the hydrophilic polymers was determined as a function of the pH and the filtration factor. Poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide‐co‐1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) showed a higher affinity for the metal ions than poly(acrylamide‐co‐1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone). According to the interaction pattern obtained, Cr(III) and Cu(II) formed the most stable complexes at pH 7. Pb(II) and Zn(II) were not retained. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 72: 741–750, 1999     

Separation of metal ions by water‐insoluble polymers containing sulfonic/sulfonate groups

A water‐insoluble polymer, poly(sodium 4‐styrene sulfonate), was synthesized by radical polymerization at different amounts (2, 4, 6, and 8 mol %) of crosslinking reagent (CR). At the lowest CR level (2 mol %), only a water‐soluble polymer is obtained, and consequently it could not be studied as resin. The polymerization yield ranged from 82.6 to 91.6%. The resin is characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The metal ion affinity is studied for the cations: Hg(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Pb(II), Cr(III), and Al(III) with a batch equilibrium procedure under different experimental conditions. The metal ion affinity increased as the pH increased. At pH 5, the resin showed an affinity greater than 97% for all metal ions. Hg(II) showed the highest retention value at pH 2. The maximum retention capacity is determined at optimum pH for Hg(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 4328–4333, 2006     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate–1‐vinyl‐1,2,4‐triazole) copolymer beads for heavy‐metal removal

We prepared poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate–1‐vinyl‐1,2,4‐triazole) [poly(EGDMA–VTAZ)] beads (average diameter = 150–200 μm) by copolymerizing ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) with 1‐vinyl‐1,2,4‐triazole (VTAZ). The copolymer composition was characterized by elemental analysis and found to contain five EGDMA monomer units for each VTAZ monomer unit. The poly(EGDMA–VTAZ) beads had a specific surface area of 65.8 m²/g. Poly(EGDMA–VTAZ) beads were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, surface area measurements, swelling studies, and scanning electron microscopy. Poly(EGDMA–VTAZ) beads with a swelling ratio of 84% were used for the heavy‐metal removal studies. The adsorption capacities of the beads for Cd(II), Hg(II), and Pb(II) were investigated in aqueous media containing different amounts of these ions (5–750 mg/L) and at different pH values (3.0–7.0). The maximum adsorption capacities of the poly(EGDMA–VTAZ) beads were 85.7 mg/g (0.76 mmol/g) for Cd(II), 134.9 mg/g (0.65 mmol/g) for Pb(II), and 186.5 mg/g (0.93 mmol/g) for Hg(II). The affinity order toward triazole groups on a molar basis was observed as follows: Hg(II) > Cd(II) > Pb(II). pH significantly affected the adsorption capacity of the VTAZ‐incorporated beads. The equilibrium data were well fitted to the Redlich–Peterson isotherm. Consideration of the kinetic data suggested that chemisorption processes could have been the rate‐limiting step in the adsorption process. Regeneration of the chelating‐beads was easily performed with 0.1M HNO₃. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4276–4283, 2006     

Polyelectrolyte‐assisted removal of metal ions with ultrafiltration

The water‐soluble polymers poly(styrene sulfonic acid‐co‐maleic acid) and poly(acrylic acid‐co‐maleic acid) were investigated with respect to their metal‐ion‐binding ability with ultrafiltration. The studied metal ions included Ag(I), Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Ca(II), Mg(II), Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Al(III), and Cr(III) ions. The retention properties of the polyelectrolytes for the metal ions depended strongly on the ligand type. As for the carboxylate ligands, with increasing concentration and pH, the metal‐binding affinity increased. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 1091–1099, 2005     

Water‐insoluble polymers containing amine,sulfonic acid,and carboxylic acid groups: Synthesis,characterization, and metal‐ion‐retention properties

Crosslinked poly(acryloylmorpholine) and its copolymers poly(acryloyl morpholine‐co‐acrylic acid) and poly(acryloylmorpholine‐co‐2‐acrylamide‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonic acid) were synthesized by radical polymerization. The resins were completely insoluble in water and were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis. The metal ions Ag(I), Cu(II), Cd(II), Hg(II), Zn(II), Pb(II), Al(III), and Cr(III) were investigated under competitive and noncompetitive conditions by a batch equilibrium procedure. The resin‐metal‐ion equilibrium was achieved before 5 min. The recovery of the resin was investigated at 20°C with different concentrations of HNO₃ and HClO₄. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 3266–3274, 2006     

Preparation and coordination with Hg(II) of sulfur‐ and 2‐amino‐pyridine‐containing chelating resin

A novel chelating resin anchoring 2‐amino‐pyridine on macroporous crosslinked polystyrene beads via a sulfur‐containing spacer (PVBS‐AP) has been synthesized and its structures were characterized by FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, porous structure analysis, and elementary analysis. The results of scanning electron microscopy and pores analysis demonstrated that PVBS‐AP resin had meso‐macro porous structure. Its adsorption properties for Hg(II), Pd(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Pb(II), and Cd(II) were investigated. Some factors affecting the adsorption of PVBS‐AP resin for Hg(II), such as temperature, contact time, ion concentration, and pH were also studied. The results showed that the increasing of temperature was beneficial to adsorption and Langmuir model was much better than Freundlich model to describe the isothermal process. PVBS‐AP resin had good adsorption selectivity for Hg(II). It could selective adsorb Hg(II) from such binary ions system as Hg(II)‐Ni(II), Hg(II)‐Zn(II), and Hg(II)‐Pb(II), their selective coefficients are α_Hg/Ni = ∞, α_Hg/Zn = 28.1, α_Hg/Pb = ∞, respectively. Five adsorption–desorption cycles demonstrate that this resin were suitable for reuse without considerable change in adsorption capacity. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:721–727, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers.     

Synthesis of poly(acrylamide‐co‐4‐vinylpyridine) hydrogels and their application in heavy metal removal

A series of poly(acrylamide‐co‐4‐vinylpyridine) hydrogels having varied acrylamide/4‐vinylpyridine content and different crosslink ratios of N,N′‐methylene‐bisacrylamide was prepared by using solution polymerization. The prepared hydrogel polymers were characterized by their elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and equilibrium water content. The polymers were investigated toward metal ion uptake of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II). The polymers were more sensitive to Cu(II) and Ni(II) and the order of metal ion binding was Ni(II), Cu(II) > Zn(II) > Co(II) > Mn(II). Metal ion uptake by the polymers was reduced as the pH of the medium decreased. Recycling of the resins resulted in high recovery of the metal ions from their aqueous solutions. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 2522–2526, 2003     

Removal of Cd(II), Hg(II), and Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution using p(HEMA/chitosan) membranes

An interpenetration network (IPN) was synthesized from 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and chitosan, p(HEMA/chitosan) via UV‐initiated photo‐polymerization. The selectivity to different heavy metal ions viz Cd(II), Pb(II), and Hg(II) to the IPN membrane has been investigated from aqueous solution using bare pHEMA membrane as a control system. Removal efficiency of metal ions from aqueous solution using the IPN membranes increased with increasing chitosan content and initial metal ions concentrations, and the equilibrium time was reached within 60 min. Adsorption of all the tested heavy metal ions on the IPN membranes was found to be pH dependent and maximum adsorption was obtained at pH 5.0. The maximum adsorption capacities of the IPN membrane for Cd(II), Pb(II), and Hg(II) were 0.063, 0.179, and 0.197 mmol/g membrane, respectively. The adsorption of the Cd(II), Hg(II), and Pb(II) metal ions on the bare pHEMA membrane was not significant. When the heavy metal ions were in competition, the amounts of adsorbed metal ions were found to be 0.035 mmol/g for Cd(II), 0.074 mmol/g for Hg(II), and 0.153 mmol/g for Pb(II), the IPN membrane is significantly selective for Pb(II) ions. The stability constants of IPN membrane–metal ions complexes were calculated by the method of Ruzic. The results obtained from the kinetics and isotherm studies showed that the experimental data for the removal of heavy metal ions were well described with the second‐order kinetic equations and the Langmuir isotherm model. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007