Abstract
We report the development of a novel, simple, and highly effective polymeric material with nanoscale dimensions for use in removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous media. The nanomaterial was ∼ 200 nm in diameter and several microns long and was fabricated in the form of nanowires via template-directed electrochemical polymerization. The nanowires were covalently modified by cysteine, a nonessential amino acid with very high binding constants for selected toxic heavy metal ions, such as, As3+, Cd2+, Pb2+, and Cu2+ . We demonstrated rapid and efficient removal of As3+, Cd2+, Pb2+, and Cu 2+ ions from natural water samples. The arsenic removal capacity was found to be ∼ 160 mg As3+ per gram of the material, a substantially greater removal capacity than other materials reported to date. The removal capacity of other heavy metals ions was also rapid and effective, their concentrations becoming undetectable in a matter of minutes after treatment with the nanowires. These nanowires have demonstrated potential that could lead to a low cost, novel, and highly effective technique for use in treatment of drinking water and for other environmental remediation purposes.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 308-313 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Applied Polymer Science |
Volume | 116 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 5 2010 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Chemistry(all)
- Surfaces, Coatings and Films
- Polymers and Plastics
- Materials Chemistry