Synthesis of Poly(Ortho-Phenylenediamine) Fluffy Microspheres and Application for the Removal of Cr(VI)

• Main Authors: Zhoufeng Wang, Fang Liao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hindawi Limited 2012-01-01
• Series: Journal of Nanomaterials
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/682802

We reported the synthesis of fluffy poly(o-phenylenediamine) (PoPD) microspheres via chemical polymerization of oPD monomers by ammonium persulfate (APS) at room temperature. The SEM images showed that PoPD microspheres with an average diameter of 1.5 μm and their surfaces consist of highly oriented nanofibers. Furthermore, PoPD microspheres were used as adsorbent materials for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The Cr(VI) adsorption behavior on the prepared PoPD microspheres was studied at different adsorption contact times, solution pH values, and amount of the adsorbent. Experimental isotherms of Cr(VI) ions were successfully fit to the Langmuir isotherm model. The results indicate that the PoPD fluffy microspheres are an effective adsorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solutions, and they could be useful in treatment of Cr(VI)-polluted wastewaters.