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Magnetic separation technology is an efficient and feasible way to achieve rapid recovery of adsorbents, thus, the use of magnetic adsorbents has attracted the attention of many researchers. However, currently reported magnetic adsorbents have limited adsorption capacity due to insufficient adsorption sites and reactive groups. In this work, a novel magnetic chitosan-based amphiphilic adsorbent (PFSC) was synthesized by using UV-light irradiation method to combine with acryloyloxyethyl dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (AO), a molecule containing benzyl groups. PFSC and its precursors were carefully characterized, and their adsorption performances for the removal of anionic dyes were explored. The characterization results showed that the magnetic copolymers with a type of microsphere structure were successfully synthesized. Moreover, PFSC exhibited superior adsorption efficiency and pH resistance compared to those of an unmodified chitosan-based magnetic adsorbent (FSC). The maximum adsorption capacities of PFSC towards orange II (OG), acid red 88 (AE) and red amaranth (RM) were 955.0, 1075.8 and 567.5 mg/g at pH 3.0, respectively. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms of PFSC were consistent with that of a pseudo-second order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model. In addition, adsorption-desorption experiments showed that PFSC could be rapidly separated and efficiently recycled even after 4 uses. More importantly, the FTIR and XPS results revealed that electrostatic adsorption and π-π stacking interactions were the main adsorption mechanisms for the PFSC-enhanced removal of anionic dyes. [Display omitted] • The chitosan-based amphiphilic magnetic copolymer was successfully synthesized by the UV-light initiated method. • The novel magnetic copolymer can be easily separated from solution by magnetic force. • The enhanced electrostatic adsorption and π-π stacking effect played an important role in the removal of anionic dyes. • The novel magnetic copolymer can be reused by simple acid-alkali adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Amphiphilic CPAM was fabricated through ultrasonic initiated template polymerization. • Comparative characterizations confirmed the microblock structure and amphiphilicity. • Template copolymerization met bimolecular termination of free radical polymerization. • The effect of NaPAA followed template polymerization I (ZIP) mechanism. • Cationic microblocks produced stronger flocs to form more permeable filter cakes. Flocculation is an important pretreatment technique for sludge dewatering, the performance of employed flocculants is the key factor determine the flocculation efficiency. Herein, an amphiphilic cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) with microblock structure was synthesized through template copolymerization initiated by ultrasonic. The chemical components and cationic microblock structure of copolymers were confirmed through comparative characterization by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) spectrum. The copolymerization mechanism was investigated through kinetics study and association coefficient (K M) determination. The results indicated that the reaction followed free radical copolymerization and terminated mainly through bimolecular termination. The pre-adsorption between acryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride (DAC) and sodium polyacrylate (NaPAA) before reaction confirmed the template polymerization met the type I (ZIP) mechanism. Cationic microblocks and hydrophobic association together contributed to the optimal dewaterability (FCMC=67.2 %, SRF=3.84×1012 m·kg−1) using TP(AM-DAC-LA). Hydrophobic association enhanced bridging and sweeping effect to promote the floc size growth. Cationic microblocks produced compacter flocs with stronger mechanical strength through enhanced charge neutralization and patching effects, which acted as skeletons to make filter cakes less compressible and more permeable in mechanical dewatering. This work developed a highly effective flocculant for sludge dewatering, the synthesis and working mechanism of which were also given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater containing dyes poses a severe threat to human health and to environmental safety. Hence, finding an effective way to treat this wastewater has attracted wide attentions. In this study, quaternary ammonium group-rich magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 -MPS-g-DAC (FSMD), were facilely prepared by grafting polymerization and served as a cationic adsorbent to remove anionic dye Orange G from aqueous solutions. Being compared with Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 -MPS MNPs, the adsorption capacity of FSMD MNPs was notably enhanced and it could be maintained in a high level under a wide solution pH range. The dependency on pH and the sensitivity to ionic strength indicated that the main adsorption mechanism was the electrostatic interaction. The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model, and the adsorption isotherms were well described with the Langmuir model. According to the thermodynamic analysis, the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. FSMD MNPs were proved to have advantages of fast adsorption rate, high adsorption capacity, easy separation ability under external magnetic field, and satisfactory reusability, therefore they can be applied in the removal of anionic dyes from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a template polymer with anionic microblock structure was successfully synthesized through ultrasonic initiated template copolymerization (USTP) by using sodium allylsulfonate (SAS) and acrylamide (AM) as monomers, poly diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (polyDADMAC) as template, and 2,2′-azobis [2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl) propane] dihydrochloride (VA-044) as initiator. The anionic polyacrylamide (APAM-T) flocculant was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was conducted to measure the elemental composition. The results of XPS and 1H NMR spectroscopy analysis indicated the existence of anionic microblock structure in APAM-T. Besides, the copolymerization was revealed to follow the self-assembly mechanism by analyzing the association constant (K M). The flocculation performance was evaluated by turbidity and zeta potential in the flocculation tests. The results indicated that the APAM-T with microblock structure enhanced the charge neutralization and bridging adsorption capacity, thus improving the flocculation performance. In the floc particle size distribution and fragmentation and reflocculation experiments, the floc corresponding to APAM-T had the strongest regeneration ability after fragmentation, which further confirmed the criticality of the microblock structure in enhancing the flocculation performance. Compared with existing studies, this study not only demonstrated a novel synthesis method, but also found that the microblock structure could significantly improve its treatment efficiency and effectiveness, providing a new theoretical basis and practical application path for wastewater treatment technology. [Display omitted] • Anionic polyacrylamide with regular microblock structure was synthesized. • The reactivity and copolymerization degree were enhanced by microblock structure. • The turbidity removal of APAM-T for hematite wastewater could reach 98.22 %. • The charge neutralization and bridging adsorption capacity of APAM-T were enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, red mud was used as the main raw material to prepare polyaluminum-ferric chloride (PCFA) with high added value. The effects of the liquid–solid ratio, reaction temperature, reaction time, hydrochloric acid concentration during acid leaching, polymerization time, OH−/Fe molar ratio, and polymerization temperature on the preparation of PCFA were investigated and determined by conducting single-factor optimization experiments under optimal preparation conditions. Characterization results show that the surface of the PCFA flocculant has compact and dense porosity and a dense sheet-like structure, and PCFA contains hydroxyl-bridged iron–aluminum polymers. When the settling time was 30 min, the stirring intensity was 200 rpm; the initial concentration of Nano-titanium dioxide（TiO 2 -NPs） was 30 mg·L−1; the pH value was 7.0; the dosage of PCFA was 25 mg·L−1, and the optimum removal rates of TiO 2 -NPs and turbidity were 84.8% and 81.3%, respectively. The flocs produced by PCFA treatment of TiO 2 -NPs were large and dense. Under optimal flocculation conditions, the average particle size of PCFA-TiO 2 -NP flocs was 2.98 µm, and the fractal dimension was 1.66. Based on the abovementioned flocculation experimental data, a Grey correlation method was established to evaluate the degree of correlation among factors such as ionic strength, settling time, stirring strength, kaolin concentration, initial concentration, reaction pH value, and dosage and the performance of PCFA coagulation to remove TiO 2 -NP-containing wastewater. In the reaction system of the PCFA coagulation of TiO 2 -NPs, the dosage is the most important factor. [Display omitted] • Red mud was used as the main raw material to prepare composite coagulant. • The flocculation and removal performance of nanoparticle were comprehensively explored. • The optimum removal rates of TiO 2 -NPs and turbidity were 84.8% and 81.3%, respectively. • A Grey correlation method was established to evaluate the degree of correlation among factors. • This study provides guidance for the utilization of red mud and the removal of nanoparticle s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CS-g-P(AM-AMPS) possessed the multifarious functional groups. • Two synthesis pathways and two products were discovered in preparation via XPS. • CS-g-P(AM-AMPS) and PAFC played the different roles in hematite wastewater treatment. • Dissolved heavy metals were removed by chelation, adsorption and co-settlement. Hematite wastewater containing dissolved heavy metals is a potential threat to eco-environment and human health. Flocculation as an efficient and cost effective water treatment technology should be applied in its treatment. A sulfonated chitosan-based flocculant (CS-g-P(AM-AMPS)) was prepared via graft copolymerization. Two synthesis pathways and reaction products with different molecular structure were discovered in processes. CS-g-P(AM-AMPS) possessed the multifarious functional groups that contributed to its excellent performance in hematite wastewater treatment. Bridging, adsorption and entrapment in coagulation-flocculation were enhanced due to CS-g-P(AM-AMPS), and the impressive floc size and high removal efficiency were represented in the treatment as well. Dissolved heavy metals in the wastewater were removed by the chelation of sulfonate group in CS-g-P(AM-AMPS), the adsorption of other functional groups and the co-settlement with flocs. CS-g-P(AM-AMPS) will have the potential application in industrial wastewater treatment for its high flocculation performance, thermal stability and solubility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]