Functionalization of microcapsules for the removal of heavy metal ions

摘要: BACKGROUND: Solvent extraction and ion exchange technologies have been widely used for the recovery or removal of heavy metals from aqueous phases. However, different problems encountered on applying these techniques. Although extractants are highly selective, this technique requires a high level mechanical agitation to improve kinetics process, requirement that promotes leakage extractant aqueous/organic interface phase during separation two On other hand, exchangers can easily be regenerated but gel form resins low selectivity those with (chelating resins) diffusion coefficients, characteristic leads mass transfer rates. An interesting alternative overcome limitations is microencapsulation within functionalized polymeric shell. This new type material would expected combine advantages aforementioned methods selective an phase. RESULTS: Sulfonation microcapsules indicated use ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) copolymer enhances chemical properties microcapsules. It was found recipe produce microencapsulated change materials (PCM) also useful prepare di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (DEHPA) as core material. The synthesized had spherical smooth shape DEHPA content 28.15 wt%. Finally, capacity sulfonated containing (3.02 meq g−1) higher than obtained without additive (2.54 g−1). High copper uptake achieved. CONCLUSIONS: Microcapsules manufactured by same approach PCMs. In addition, particles improved resistance sulfonation using EGDMA crosslinker. Ion studies showed presence Thus promising metal ions. Copyright © 2010 Society Chemical Industry