Magnetic porous polymer microspheres: Synthesis, characterization and adsorption performance for the removal of phenol

The magnetic poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate-n-vinylimidazole) (Fe3O4@poly (EGDMA@VIM)) microspheres were prepared by suspension polymerization method using magnetite Fe3O4 nano-powder and the porosity, morphology, chemical composition and structure of the magnetic polymer microspheres were characterized. The specific surface area and swelling ratio of the Fe3O4@poly(EGDMA@VIM) microspheres were found to be 278.6m(2).g(-)1 and 48%, respectively. The Fe3O4@poly(EGDMA@VIM) microspheres were used as an adsorbent for phenol removal. The effects of the parameters such as adsorbent dosage, temperature, pH and initial concentration of phenol solutions on the adsorption were investigated. The experimental adsorption equilibrium data obtained were fitted with Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherms and the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intra-particle diffusion kinetic models. The adsorption equilibrium data agreed well with the Freundlich isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The maximum capacity of the Fe3O4@poly(EGDMA@VIM) microspheres was calculated to be 33.83mg.g(-)1 at 298K and natural pH from Langmuir isotherm. The Fe3O4@poly(EGDMA@VIM) microspheres were found to be reusable for removal of phenol after desorption for several times. The result indicated that the Fe3O4@poly(EGDMA@VIM) microspheres are potential candidate for removal of phenol in wastewaters.