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PAMPS PolyHIPEs : the role of shape, porosity, and sulfonate group density on metal-ion adsorption from waterSebastijan Kovačič,
Roko Vladušić, 2025, original scientific article
Abstract: In this study, the adsorption performance of poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid) (PAMPS)-based polymerizedhigh internal phase emulsion (polyHIPE) for the removal of Zn 2+, Fe3+, and Al 3+ ions from water is investigated. The triple-factoranalysis includes the role of shape, porosity, and sulfonate group density. By systematically comparing different forms of PAMPS,that is, polyHIPE beads and monoliths (shape effect), PAMPS homopolymers and copolymers ( SO3− group density effect), andporous polyHIPEs compared to commercially available gel-type, non-macroporous beads (porosity effect), we determine howstructure–function relationships govern metal ion uptake. The results show ion-specific effects: The high charge density of Fe3+and Al 3+ generates a strong electrostatic driving force for multipoint binding to SO3− groups, which leads to fast adsorption. Incontrast, Zn 2+ adsorption is slower due to its lower charge density and the relatively stable hydration sphere. It therefore appearsto be diffusion-limited compared to Fe3+ and Al 3+. These results show how the polymer architecture can be tuned to optimizeadsorption efficiency, selectivity, and robustness. Such a design principle of PAMPS-based polyHIPEs demonstrates a strategy tocustomize adsorbents for advanced water treatment applications.
Keywords: emulsion polymerization, hydrophilic polymers, polyelectrolytes
Published in DKUM: 12.12.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 1
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