Polymeric Networks Derived from UV-Curing of Bio-Based Polyesters for Methyl Violet Removal

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Development of sustainable adsorbent materials is crucial for environmental remediation.
• Bio-based polymers offer a promising alternative to conventional adsorbents.
• Itaconic acid and polyethylene glycol are renewable resources for polyester synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize bio-based polyesters and their derived polymeric networks.
• To investigate the efficacy of these materials as adsorbents for methyl violet removal.
• To explore the influence of acid value on adsorption performance.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of bio-based polyesters via condensation reaction.
• UV curing to form polymeric network adsorbents.
• Characterization using FTIR, NMR, XPS, GPC, and SEM.
• Batch adsorption studies to evaluate removal efficiency and kinetics.
• Analysis of adsorption equilibrium using multiple models.

Main Results:

• Polymeric networks exhibited high adsorption capacities (≥ 357.14 mg/g) for methyl violet.
• Adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicating chemisorption.
• Thermodynamic studies revealed spontaneous and exothermic adsorption processes.
• Adsorbents maintained high removal efficiency (≥ 72.36%) after three reuse cycles.
• Increased acidity in the polymer structure positively correlated with enhanced adsorption.

Conclusions:

• Bio-based polymeric networks are effective and reusable adsorbents for organic pollutants.
• The acid value is a critical parameter for optimizing adsorbent performance.
• This study highlights a sustainable approach for wastewater treatment using renewable materials.