Polymer-Based Monolithic Porous Composite

Porous monolithic glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) copolymer [PGME] and three composite samples with alumina (PGME/alumina) were synthesized by radical copolymerization in a cast and functionalized by reaction of diethylene triamine (deta) with epoxy groups in GMA. All the samples were characterized using FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, SEM, AFM, solid state NMR, thermogravimetry and mercury porosimetry. Additionally, amino functionalized PGME/alumina with the highest alumina content (PGME/alumina50-deta) was loaded with chromium [Cr(VI)] ions. Kinetics of Cr (VI) sorption was investigated in batch static experiments, at 298 K and pH = 2, for various initial concentrations (Ci = 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 mM) and analyzed using three kinetic models. Cr(VI) sorption by PGME/alumina50-deta obeys the PSO kinetic model, while IPD model suggests some degree of intraparticle pore diffusion control.