Construction of double cross-linked networks in calcium alginate/poly-N-isopropylacrylamide hydrogel with photothermal responsiveness for absorbing heavy metal ions

Hydrogels have been widely used for adsorbing heavy metal ions in wastewater treatment. Herein, a calcium alginate/poly-N-isopropylacrylamide double-network hydrogel with photothermal responsiveness was prepared for adsorbing heavy metal ions in aqueous solution. The chemical composition, micromorphology, swelling properties, photothermal responsiveness, adsorption properties, and adsorption mechanism of gel microspheres were studied, respectively. The gel microspheres had an interpenetrating three-dimensional porous structure, and their high porosity morphology and high specific surface area could ensure the adequate exposure of active adsorption sites. The gel microspheres showed excellent selective adsorption of Cr(III), and the theoretical maximum adsorption capacity of 146.16 mg/g was calculated according to the Langmuir model. Besides, its excellent photothermal conversion ability enhanced the resistance to external interference after the adsorption. Our work has provided an innovative approach to solar water purification while optimizing the preparation process.     

Investigation of adsorption–desorption dynamism of bovine serum albumin on crosslinked N,N′‐diethylaminoethyl dextran microbeads: Solution phase

New hydrogel microspheres based on crosslinked dextran containing N,N′‐diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) groups with different chemical structures have been used in adsorption–desorption studies. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is frequently used in biophysical and biochemical studies. BSA has a well‐known primary structure that has been associated with binding of many different categories of small molecules. Both adsorption kinetics and equilibrium isotherms for the adsorption of BSA on crosslinked DEAE dextran have been determined experimentally. These were only slightly dependent on the initial concentration of BSA but were considerably affected by the pH of the medium. The results fitted the Freundlich–Langmuir isotherm model for pH 6.9. The adsorption capacity factor and the adsorption equilibrium constant were obtained and mathematical modeling of adsorption, adsorption rate constants, and maximum adsorption were determined. Swelling kinetics of crosslinked DEAE dextran and optimum ionic strength, pH, and mass of hydrogel were also investigated. Desorption studies were finally determined under optimum medium conditions. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 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     

铈盐引发高吸附量氨基化PGMA高分子微球合成及去除废水中Cr(VI)(英文)

A novel polyglycidylmethacrylate(PGMA) microspheres with high adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) was prepared by cerium(IV) initiated graft polymerization of tentacle-type polymer chains with amino group on polymer microspheres with hydroxyl groups.The micron-sized PGMA microspheres were prepared by a dispersion polym-erization method and subsequently modified by ring-opening reaction to introduce functional hydroxyl groups.The polymer microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR).The results indicated that the polymer microspheres had an average diameter of 5 μm with uniform size distribution.The free amino group content was determined to be 5.13 mmol?g?1 for g-PGMA-NH2 mi-crospheres by potentiometric and conductometric titration methods.The Cr(VI) adsorption results indicated that the graft polymerization of tentacle-type polymer chains on the polymer microspheres could produce adsorbents with high adsorption capacity(500 mg?g?1).The polymer microspheres with grafted tentacle polymer chains have poten-tial application in large-scale removal of Cr(VI) in aqueous solution.     

Amino-functionalized magnetic zirconium alginate beads for phosphate removal and recovery from aqueous solutions

Amino-functionalized magnetic zirconium alginate beads with an interpenetrating network (Fe₃O₄/PAM/SA–Zr) were prepared, characterized, and then tested as a novel biomass adsorbent for phosphate removal and recovery. The hydrogel beads exhibited outstanding thermostability and possessed a magnetic response. The effects of the pH, dosage, initial phosphate concentration, interference ions, and temperature on the removal of phosphate were investigated. The kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics of the adsorption were studied. Notably, the adsorption of phosphate was endothermic, feasible, and spontaneous with a maximum uptake capacity of 42.23 mg-P/g at an optimized pH of 2.0. The phosphate could be desorbed effectively with a 0.2 mol/L NaOH solution, and the adsorbent exhibited a good reusability. The possible adsorption mechanisms were verified by zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. Continuous phosphate-adsorption tests were conducted in a fixed-bed columns packed with Fe₃O₄/PAM/SA–Zr, and the breakthrough curves were predicted by the Adams–Bohart, Thomas, and Yoon–Nelson models, respectively. The suitability of the hydrogel beads for the treatment of real wastewater was also tested. These hydrogel beads should be a promising adsorbent for phosphate removal and recovery from aqueous solutions, with the advantages of a high uptake capacity, good reusability, and easy magnetic separation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 46897.     

Hydrogel beads based on carboxymethyl cellulose for removal heavy metal ions

Environment‐friendly carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrogel beads were successfully prepared using epichlorohydrin (ECH) as a crosslinking agent in the suspension of fluid wax. There was an ether linkage formed between ECH and CMC, which was identified from bands in FTIR spectra of the prepared hydrogel. The prepared hydrogel beads with diameters about 4 mm were apparently spherical and fully transparent. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) spectra indicated that the adsorption of metal ion onto the oxygen atom of carboxyl group led to change in crystallinity patterns of hydrogels. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images clearly showed that the hydrogels had an internal porous structure. The adsorption capacity increased as initial concentrations of metal ions and the pH value of metal ion solution increased. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models were employed to analyze the data from batch adsorption experiments. There are vey good correlation coefficients of linearized equations for Langmuir model, which indicated that the sorption isotherm of the hydrogel beads for metal ions can be fitted to the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption amount of hydrogel beads for metal ions is 6.49, 4.06, and 5.15 mmol/g for Cu(II), Ni(II), and Pb(II), respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

羟乙基纤维素水凝胶的制备及吸附性能

以羟乙基纤维素(HEC)(作为水凝胶的骨架增强水凝胶的强度)和丙烯酸(AA)为原料,过氧化氢/维生素C混合溶液作为氧化还原引发剂,通过自由基聚合的方法制备HEC–AA水凝胶。通过傅里叶变换红外光谱对HEC–AA水凝胶的结构进行了表征,分析表明水凝胶内部存在氢键。通过扫描电子显微镜对HEC–AA水凝胶的微观结构进行研究,结果表明HEC–AA水凝胶内部形成了三维网状结构,其孔径尺寸随着HEC用量的增加而减小。通过对HEC–AA水凝胶的吸水和Cu²⁺吸附性能测试表明,当HEC用量为0.3 g时,HEC–AA水凝胶的吸水性能和对Cu²⁺吸附能力最好。对盐溶液敏感性的测试表明,HEC–AA水凝胶的吸水性能会随着盐溶液浓度的增加而降低。Cu²⁺的初始浓度和pH值对吸附性能影响的测试结果表明,当HEC用量为0.3 g,pH值为5,Cu2+初始浓度为100 mg/L时,水凝胶的吸附容量最大为82.3 mg/g。HEC–AA水凝胶在重金属吸附领域具有良好的应用前景。     

Alanine containing porous beads for mercury removal from artificial solutions

N‐methacryloyl‐(L )‐alanine (MALA) was synthesized by using methacryloyl chloride and alanine as a metal‐complexing ligand or comonomer. Spherical beads with an average diameter of 150–200 μm were obtained by suspension polymerization of MALA and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) conducted in an aqueous dispersion medium. Poly(HEMA–MALA) beads were characterized by SEM, swelling studies, surface area measurement, and elemental analysis. Poly(HEMA–MALA) beads have a specific surface area of 68.5 m²/g. Poly(HEMA–MALA) beads with a swelling ratio of 63%, and containing 247 μmol MALA/g were used in the removal of Hg²⁺ from aqueous solutions. Adsorption equilibrium was achieved in about 60 min. The adsorption of Hg²⁺ ions onto PHEMA beads was negligible (0.3 mg/g). The MALA incorporation into the polymer structure significantly increased the mercury adsorption capacity (168 mg/g). Adsorption capacity of MALA containing beads increased significantly with pH. The adsorption of Hg²⁺ ions increased with increasing pH and reached a plateau value at around pH 5.0. Competitive heavy metal adsorption from aqueous solutions containing Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Hg²⁺ was also investigated. The adsorption capacities are 44.5 mg/g for Hg²⁺, 6.4 mg/g for Cd²⁺, 2.9 mg/g for Pb²⁺, and 2.0 mg/g for Cu²⁺ ions. These results may be considered as an indication of higher specificity of the poly(HEMA–MALA) beads for the Hg²⁺ comparing to other ions. Consecutive adsorption and elution operations showed the feasibility of repeated use for poly(HEMA–MALA) chelating beads. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 1222–1228, 2006     

Preparation and adsorption mechanism of polyvinyl alcohol/graphene oxide-sodium alginate nanocomposite hydrogel with high Pb(II) adsorption capacity

A series of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/graphene oxide (GO)-sodium alginate (SA) nanocomposite hydrogel beads were prepared through in situ crosslinking for Pb²⁺ removal. It was found that PVA and SA molecules were intercalated into GO layers through hydrogen bonding interactions, leading to the destruction of orderly structure of GO, while GO uniformly distributed in PVA matrix. With increasing PVA solution concentration, the hydrogel beads became more regular, a large number of polygonal pores with thin walls and open pores formed, the average pore size decreased, and the dense network structure formed. Meanwhile, the permeability of the composite hydrogel decreased, leading to the decline of Pb²⁺ adsorption capacity of the composite hydrogel. With increasing GO content, the ballability of the hydrogel beads was weakened, the pore size increased, and relatively loose network structure formed, resulting in an increase in permeability and Pb²⁺ adsorption capacity of the hydrogel, reaching up to 279.43 mg g⁻¹. Moreover, the composite hydrogel presented relatively good reusability for Pb²⁺ removal. The adsorption mechanism was explored and showed that the adsorption system of the composite hydrogel belonged to the second-order kinetic model and fitted Langmuir adsorption isotherm model for Pb²⁺ removal, which might be mono-layer chemical adsorption. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47318.     

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.     

Hydroxyethyl cellulose hydrogel modified with tannic acid as methylene blue adsorbent

This work developed an effective way to improve the methylene blue (MB) adsorption performance of cellulose-based hydrogel by modified with tannic acid (TA). HEC-co-p(AA-AM)/TA hydrogel was synthesized by grafting of acrylic acid (AA) and acrylamide (AM) onto hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), followed by modified with TA. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy manifested that AA and AM were successfully grafted onto the hydrogel, and TA was immobilized in the hydrogel. Field emission scanning electron microscope demonstrated that the hydrogel after TA modification had a homogeneous pore structure. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface areas, total pore volume, and average pore diameters of the hydrogel are 11.821 m² g⁻¹, 0.0641 cm³ g⁻¹, and 2.538 nm, respectively. The high swelling ratio (1179.2 g g⁻¹ in deionized water) was in favor of the MB adsorption. The results of the adsorption experiments illustrated that HEC-co-p(AA/AM) hydrogel had excellent MB adsorption performance. As the pH increases, the electrostatic attraction is enhanced, and the adsorption capacity is improved. The adsorption process was more fit with pseudo-second-order kinetics, and the maximum adsorption capacity (3438.27 mg g⁻¹) was determined by Langmuir model. Thermodynamic studies suggested that the adsorption process is spontaneous, exothermic, and entropy reduction. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed that MB molecules were reacted with the oxygen atoms in hydroxyl and carboxyl groups by ion-exchange. High reusability demonstrated that the hydrogel could be a potential candidate for removal cationic dye from industrial effluents.     

Agarose-sodium alginate hydrogel beads enhanced with zeolitic imidazolate frameworks/multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanoparticles for efficient adsorption and selective separation of methylene blue

The urgent problem to solve is how to design a kind of green and porous adsorbent that can effectively remove dye pollutants in the field of the sewage treatment. The objectives of this investigation are to incorporate zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-8 (ZIF-8) particles in situ onto the surface of multiwalled carbon tubes (MWCNTs) and integrate them into an agarose-sodium alginate (ASA) double network hydrogel. The resulting composite hydrogel beads, denoted as MWCNTs/ZIF-8/ASA (MZASA), are synthesized using calcium ion crosslinking. The addition of agarose is employed to create a dual-crosslinked hydrogel, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties of the ASA hydrogel. By incorporating MWCNTs/ZIF-8 nanoparticles, the surface area of the MZASA hydrogel is augmented, leading to an enhancement in dye adsorption capacity. In batch sorption mode, the maximum absorbency of the resulting hydrogel beads for methylene blue (MB) is 493.799 mg/g, which was a third greater than that of pure SA beads. Absorption of MB obeys the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model, suggesting monolayer chemisorption adsorption. Analysis of the thermodynamics proves that the entire adsorption process is exothermic and spontaneous. Moreover, the MZASA hydrogel beads show high selectivity for cationic dyes in the mixed dye test. Hence, the synthesized MZASA hydrogel beads serve as a highly effective, innovative, and reusable adsorbent for eliminating cationic dyes from water-based solutions.     

Synthesis of an alginate–poly(sodium acrylate‐co‐acrylamide) superabsorbent hydrogel with low salt sensitivity and high pH sensitivity

This article describes the synthesis and swelling behavior of a superabsorbing hydrogel based on sodium alginate (NaAlg) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN). The physical mixture of NaAlg and PAN was hydrolyzed with a solution of NaOH to yield an alginate–poly(sodium acrylate‐co‐acrylamide) [Alg–poly(NaAA‐co‐AAm)] superabsorbent hydrogel. A proposed mechanism for hydrogel formation was suggested, and the structure of the product was established with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effects of reaction variables were systematically optimized to achieve a hydrogel with a swelling capacity as high as possible. Under the optimized conditions concluded, the maximum capacity of swelling in distilled water was 610 g/g. The absorbency of the synthesized hydrogels was also measured in various salt solutions. The swelling ratios decreased with an increase in the ionic strength of the salt solutions. In addition, the swelling capacity was determined in solutions with pHs ranging from 1 to 13. The Alg–poly(NaAA‐co‐AAm) hydrogel exhibited pH responsiveness, so a swelling–deswelling pulsatile behavior was recorded at pHs 2 and 8. This on–off switching behavior made the hydrogel as a good candidate for the controlled delivery of bioactive agents. Finally, the swelling kinetics of the hydrogels with various particle sizes were preliminarily investigated as well. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 2927–2937, 2006     

Treatment of polluted water resources using reactive polymeric hydrogel

An experimental work was conducted to study the performance of the already prepared polyvinyl pyrrolidone/acrylic acid (PVP/AAc) copolymer hydrogel to chelate heavy metals from bulk solution. Studies of the binding capacity, adsorption isotherm, and adsorption kinetic experiments showed that PVP/AAc copolymer hydrogel has high binding capacities and good adsorption kinetic properties for the metal ions under investigation. The adsorption isotherms of such metal ions on the copolymer exhibit a Langmuir‐type equation. The chelated copolymers were characterized by FTIR and XRD. Technical feasibility for the uses of the prepared PVP/AAc hydrogel for the treatment of polluted samples; collected from different water resources in Helwan area (Egypt) was investigated. The evaluation of the system was performed by a complete analysis of water samples before and after the treatment process. The results showed a promising possibility for producing water of better quality in the area under investigation, using such prepared hydrogel. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 3966–3973, 2006     

Nonporous monosize polymeric sorbents: Dye and metal chelate affinity separation of lysozyme

Lysozyme adsorption onto dye‐attached nonporous monosize poly(2‐hydroxyethyl‐methacrylate‐methylmethacrylate) [poly(HEMA‐MMA)] microspheres was investigated. Poly(HEMA‐MMA) microspheres were prepared by dispersion polymerization. The monochloro‐triazine dye, Cibacron Blue F3GA, was immobilized covalently as dye–ligand. These dye‐affinity microspheres were used in the lysozyme adsorption–desorption studies. The effect of initial concentration of lysozyme and medium pH on the adsorption efficiency of dye‐attached and metal‐chelated microspheres were studied in a batch reactor. Effect of Cu(II) chelation on lysozyme adsorption was also studied. The nonspecific adsorption of lysozyme on the poly(HEMA‐MMA) microspheres was 3.6 mg/g. Cibacron Blue F3GA attachment significantly increased the lysozyme adsorption up to 247.8 mg/g. Lysozyme adsorption capacity of the Cu(II) incorporated microspheres (318.9 mg/g) was greater than that of the Cibacron Blue F3GA‐attached microspheres. Significant amount of the adsorbed lysozyme (up to 97%) was desorbed in 1 h in the desorption medium containing 1.0M NaSCN at pH 8.0 and 25 mM EDTA at pH 4.9. In order to examine the effects of separation conditions on possible conformational changes of lysozyme structure, fluorescence spectrophotometry was employed. We conclude that dye‐ and metal‐chelate affinity chromatography with poly(HEMA‐MMA) microspheres can be applied for lysozyme separation without causing any significant changes and denaturation. Repeated adsorption/desorption processes showed that these novel dye‐attached monosize microspheres are suitable for lysozyme adsorption. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 76: 115–124, 2000     

Specific rebinding of protein imprinted polyethylene glycol grafted calcium alginate hydrogel with different crosslinking degree

Bovine serum albumin imprinted polyethylene glycol 600 (PEG600) grafted Calcium alginate (CaA) hydrogel microspheres were prepared and characterized. The adsorption and recognition properties of PEG600 grafted calcium alginate (CaA-g-PEG600) microspheres were evaluated and the results showed that the crosslinking structure of CaA-g-PEG600 microspheres exerted an obvious effect on the adsorption capacity and imprinting properties for bovine serum albumin. The adsorption isotherms and recognition properties indicated that the imprinted modified microspheres had excellent rebinding affinity toward target proteins and the imprinting efficiency varied according to PEG600 grafting degree. The adsorption capacity and the imprinting factor were 5.5 mg g^?1 and 3.6, respectively. Adsorption kinetics of CaA-g-PEG600 microspheres in accordance with the molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc) was investigated and the structural influence on protein selective rebinding was discussed. Furthermore, the binary solution separation performance of CaA-g-PEG600 microspheres with different Mc was investigated by selective binding bovine serum albumin from protein mixture solution.     

Preparation and characterization of porous crosslinked microspheres of new aromatic methacrylates

The aim of this work was to prepare a new group of aromatic methacrylate monomers, utilise them in preparation of porous microspheres and study the influence of their chemical structure on the textural properties of porous methacrylate microspheres. Polymeric microspheres were prepared by suspension-emulsion polymerisation of four aromatic monomers: methacryloiloxybenzene, 1,2-dimethacryloiloxybenzene, 1,3-dimethacryloiloxybenzene and 1,4-dimethacryloiloxybenzene with another crosslinking agent—trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate. Mass median diameters of obtained beads are in the range 22–35 μm. The polymerisation reactions were carried out in the presence of a pore forming diluent. The influence of the diluent system on the porous structure of microspheres was studied in detail. To determine the textural properties of the studied microspheres, nitrogen adsorption–desorption and inverse sized exclusion chromatography measurements were used. Specific surface area of the obtained microspheres achieves value from 185 to 510 m²/g. Since obtained polymeric materials can be used as chromatographic packings for HPLC their porous structure in a swollen state was investigated. Significant differences in the porous structure parameters for dry and swollen microspheres were observed.     

Porous dye affinity beads for nickel adsorption from aqueous solutions: A kinetic study

We investigated a new adsorbent system, Reactive Red 120 attached poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate ethylene dimethacrylate) [poly(HEMA–EDMA)] beads, for the removal of Ni²⁺ ions from aqueous solutions. Poly(HEMA–EDMA) beads were prepared by the modified suspension copolymerization of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate and ethylene dimethacrylate. Reactive Red 120 molecules were covalently attached to the beads. The beads (150–250 μm), having a swelling ratio of 55% and carrying 25.5 μmol of Reactive Red 120/g of polymer, were used in the removal of Ni²⁺ ions. The adsorption rate and capacity of the Reactive Red 120 attached poly(HEMA–EDMA) beads for Ni²⁺ ions was investigated in aqueous media containing different amounts of Ni²⁺ ions (5–35 mg/L) and having different pH values (2.0–7.0). Very high adsorption rates were observed at the beginning, and adsorption equilibria were then gradually achieved in about 60 min. The maximum adsorption of Ni²⁺ ions onto the Reactive Red 120 attached poly(HEMA–EDMA) beads was 2.83 mg/g at pH 6.0. The nonspecific adsorption of Ni²⁺ ions onto poly(HEMA–EDMA) beads was negligible (0.1 mg/g). The desorption of Ni²⁺ ions was studied with 0.1M HNO₃. High desorption ratios (>90%) were achieved. The intraparticle diffusion rate constants at various temperatures were calculated as k_20°C = 0.565 mg/g min^0.5, k_30°C = 0.560 mg/g min^0.5, and k_40°C = 0.385 mg/g min^0.5. Adsorption–desorption cycles showed the feasibility of repeated use of this novel adsorbent system. The equilibrium data fitted very well both Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models. The pseudo‐first‐order kinetic model was used to describe the kinetic data. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100:5056–5065, 2006     

Hydrophilization of gigaporous polystyrene microspheres with saccharide as high-speed protein chromatography base support

Gigaporous poly(styrene–divinylbenzene) (PS) microspheres were hydrophilically modified with natural saccharide to minimize their nonspecific adsorption to proteins. The microspheres were chloroacetylated through Friedel–Crafts acetylation with chloroacetyl chloride, and then coupled with diacetone-D-glucose (DAGlu) through the Williamson reaction, and the protecting groups were removed on DAGlu. Results showed that the PS microspheres were successfully coupled with DAGlu and that the gigaporous structure was well maintained. After hydrophilization (Glu-PS), nonspecific adsorption of proteins on PS microspheres was greatly reduced. The high surface density of hydroxyl groups on Glu-PS microspheres surface make it easy to derivatize the spheres by classical methods. Flow experiments showed that the Glu-PS column had low backpressure, good permeability, and mechanical stability. All results indicate that the Glu-PS microspheres have great potential applications in high-speed protein chromatography.     

Hyperbranched polyglycerol/poly(acrylic acid) hydrogel for the efficient removal of methyl violet from aqueous solutions

Hydrogels were synthesized from hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG) and acrylic acid through free‐radical polymerization with HPG as the crosslinker. The HPG/poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) hydrogel could absorb cationic dyes in aqueous solutions because of the existence of a porous structure and the large numbers of hydroxyl and carboxylic groups. With methyl violet chosen as a model compound, the HPG/PAA hydrogel reached a maximum adsorption of 394.12 mg/g at a feed concentration of 1 g/L. The highest removal ratio of 98.33% was observed at a feed concentration of 50 mg/L. The effects of the pH, contact time, and feed concentration on the dye adsorption were investigated. The dye adsorption data fit well with the pseudo‐second‐order and Langmuir models. We believe that the HPG/PAA hydrogels could perform well in appropriate applications in the removal of cationic dyes from aqueous solutions because of their high adsorption capacity and environmental friendliness. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 42951.