A Novel pH-Responsive p(AAm-co-METAC)/MMT Composite Hydrogel: Synthesis, Characterization and Its Absorption Performance on Heavy Metal İons

Abstract

In this study, the preparation and characterization of the novel pH-sensitive poly(acrylamide-co-2-methacryloyloxy)ethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride)/montmorillonite (p(AAm-co-METAC)/MMT) composite superabsorbent hydrogels and their selective metal absorbtion properties were investigated. The adsorption of metal ions is highly dependent on the initial feed concentration, contact time, pH of the metal solution and adsorbent doses. The results were analyzed both by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms and the adsorption is found to follow pseudo-second-order kinetics. The adsorption capacity followed the order Zn²⁺ > Ni²⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Pb²⁺ and the maximum adsorption capacities of them were ∼320, 285, 240 and 120 (mg g⁻¹), respectively.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Hydrogel/clay composite
• 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride
• Hydrogel/clay composite
• Removing heavy metals