Iron-based redox polymerization of acrylic acid for direct synthesis of hydrogel/membranes and metal nanoparticles for water treatment

Sebastián Hernández, Joseph K. Papp, Dibakar Bhattacharyya

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Functionalized polymer materials with ion-exchange groups and the integration of nanostructured materials is an emerging area for catalytic and water pollution control applications. The polymerization of materials such as acrylic acid often requires persulfate initiator and a high-temperature start. However, is generally known that metal ions accelerate such polymerizations starting from room temperature. If the metal is properly selected, then it can be used in environmental applications, adding two advantages simultaneously. This article deals with this by polymerizing acrylic acid using iron as an accelerant and subsequently using it for nanoparticle synthesis in hydrogels and PVDF membranes. Characterizations of hydrogels, membranes, and nanoparticles were carried out with different techniques. Nanoparticles sizes of 30-60 nm were synthesized. Permeability and swelling measurements demonstrate an inverse relationship between the hydrogel mesh size (6.30 to 8.34 nm) and the membrane pore size (222 to 110 nm). The quantitative reduction of trichloroethylene/ chloride generation by Fe/Pd nanoparticles in hydrogel/membrane platforms was also performed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1130-1142
Number of pages13
JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research
Volume53
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22 Jan 2014
Externally publishedYes

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