Surface-functionalized polymer nanoparticles for selective sequestering of heavy metals

Craig A. Bell, Suzanne V. Smith, Michael R. Whittaker, Andrew K. Whittaker, Lawrence R. Gahan, Michael J. Monteiro

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

48 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The synthesis of surface-functionalized polymer nanoparticles for selective sequestering of heavy metals, is demonstrated. A block-copolymer particle consisting of a polystyrene (PSTY) core and a thin shell of poly(2-acetoacetoxy) ethyl methacrylate) (polyAAEMA) was synthesized. Metal binding experiments with Co2+ and Hg2+ metal ion solution doped with Co-57 and Hg-197/Hg-203, respectively, in the presence of a thin layer of polyAAEMA and a product of dialysis of polyAAEMA were undertaken. The results show that the reverse addition-fragmentataion chain transfer (RAFT) end groups on the surface particles can be utilized to control the molecular weight and particle morphology, and also selectively bind to Hg, Pb and Co.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)582-586
Number of pages5
JournalAdvanced Materials
Volume18
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Mar 2006
Externally publishedYes

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