Modulating Multiple Interactions in Poly(ionic Liquid)s for Efficient Removal of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
Xiaolong Liu1, Siying Chen1, Xinyue Fang1
1College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
Environmental Science & Technology
|February 18, 2026
Summary
A novel porous polymer, PDB-F, effectively removes harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from water. This material exhibits high adsorption capacity and reusability, offering a promising solution for PFAS contamination.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Poly(ionic liquids) (PILs) are underutilized for adsorbing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs).
- Porous PILs offer potential for efficient contaminant removal.
- Limited research exists on porous PILs for PFAS adsorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and investigate novel imidazolium-based mesoporous PILs for PFAS removal.
- To evaluate the adsorption capacity and mechanisms of these PILs for PFAS.
- To assess the performance of the developed materials in various water matrices.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of imidazolium-based mesoporous PILs via free-radical copolymerization.
- Characterization of PIL structure and properties.
- Adsorption experiments to determine PFAS removal efficiency and capacity.
- Investigation of adsorption mechanisms, including electrostatic, hydrophobic, pore filling, and fluorophilic interactions.
Main Results:
- PDB-F demonstrated exceptional adsorption capacity for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) (2471.7 mg/g at 25 °C).
- Synergistic interactions (electrostatic, hydrophobic, pore filling, F-F) contribute to high PFAS adsorption.
- PDB-F showed high efficacy in removing trace PFOA from diverse water matrices and adsorbed various PFASs.
- The material exhibited excellent regeneration and reusability.
Conclusions:
- PDB-F is a highly effective polymer-based adsorbent for PFAS removal.
- Synergistic interactions are crucial for enhancing PFAS adsorption in porous PILs.
- This research provides a foundation for designing advanced adsorbents for environmental remediation.
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