Template Preparation of Poly(Vinylpyrrolidone-Itaconic Acid) and Their Application in Removal of Copper Ions

Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone-itaconic acid) P(VP-IA) was prepared by the template polymerization of itaconic acid (IA) in the presence of PVP as a template polymer using gamma rays. Fourier transform infrared results showed that the interpolymer complexes were formed by hydrogen bonds between the carboxyl groups of PIA and the carbonyl groups of PVP. P(VP-IA) resin could be employed as a potential adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals such as Cu(II). The capacity of the prepared polymer containing different amounts of PVP, N, N'-methylene-bis-acrylamide (NMBA) and IA concentration was investigated. It is obvious that the adsorption capacity increased with increasing itaconic acid content. Although it decreased with increasing the concentration of PVP and NMBA. P(VP-IA) was found to be a potential adsorbent for removal of copper from aqueous medium. Detail adsorption study of Cu(II) on P(VP-IA) was investigated. Batch adsorption study was carried out as a function of contact time, adsorbent dose, and pH. Adsorption isotherms of Cu(II) on adsorbents were determined and correlated with common isotherm equations such as Langmuir, Freundlich and Tempkin adsorption isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacities for Cu(II) on P(VP-IA) were found to be 131 mg g(.)(-1)