Copolymers functionalized with quaternary ammonium compounds under template chain exhibit simultaneously efficient...

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Water Treatment Technologies

Background:

• Conventional water treatment methods often struggle with simultaneous removal of turbidity and microbial contaminants.
• Developing multifunctional materials for efficient water purification is a critical area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize novel multifunctional cationic template copolymers with flocculation and sterilization capabilities.
• To evaluate the impact of template agents on copolymer structure and performance for water treatment.
• To assess the efficacy of these copolymers in removing kaolin and Escherichia coli (E. coli) from water.

Main Methods:

• Low-pressure ultraviolet (LP-UV) template polymerization was employed to synthesize copolymers.
• Characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, 3D-EEM) were used to analyze copolymer structure and properties.
• Flocculation and sterilization experiments were conducted to evaluate removal efficiencies for kaolin and E. coli.

Main Results:

• Template copolymer TPADM exhibited higher cationic charge density and a rougher surface compared to non-template CPADM, leading to enhanced flocculation.
• TPADM-1 achieved high removal rates: 98.45% for kaolin and 99% for E. coli.
• The sterilization mechanism involved initial adsorption followed by cell membrane rupture, confirmed by SEM and 3D-EEM analysis.
• The copolymer demonstrated effectiveness across a wide pH range, indicating broad applicability.

Conclusions:

• Novel multifunctional cationic template copolymers show significant potential for simultaneous turbidity and microbial removal from water.
• The LP-UV template polymerization method is effective in creating materials with enhanced water purification properties.
• These copolymers offer a promising solution for practical water treatment applications, addressing both physical and biological contaminants.