We report the fabrication and utilization of elastomeric polymer nanocomposite foams for the efficient removal of Pb2+ and Hg2+ heavy metal ions from polluted water. The polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) foams are properly modified in order to become hydrophilic and allow the polluted water to penetrate in their volume. The ZnSe colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) that decorate the surface of the foams, act as active components able to entrap the metal ions. In this way, after the dipping of the nanocomposite foams in water polluted with Pb2+ or Hg2+, a cation exchange reaction takes place, and the heavy metal ions are successfully removed. The removal capacity for the Pb2+ ions exceeds 98% and the removal of Hg2+ ions approaches almost 100% in the studied concentrations region of 20-40 ppm. The reaction is concluded after 24 h, but it should be noticed that after the first hour, more than 95% of both the metal ions is removed. The color of the foams changes upon heavy metal ions entrapment, providing thus the opportunity of an easy detection of the presence of the ions in water. Taking into account that the fabricated foams provide good elastic properties and resistance to heat, they can be used in different conditions of water remediation.

Herein we present an interesting approach for the reutilization of coffee waste in water remediation. This is achieved by the development of bioelastomeric foams composed of 60 wt % of spent coffee powder and 40 wt % of silicone elastomer using the sugar leaching technique. In this study, we present the necessary characteristics of the developed “green” foams for the successful removal of Pb2+ and Hg2+ ions from water, and we identify the involved mechanisms. The capability of the bioelastomeric foams to interact with Pb2+ and Hg2+ is not affected by the presence of other metal ions in water as tests in real wastewater demonstrate. The incorporation of the spent coffee powder in a solid porous support, without compromising its functionality, facilitates the handling and allows the accumulation of the pollutants into the foams enabling their safe disposal. The fabricated foams can be used for the continuous filtration and removal of metal ions from water, demonstrating their versatility, in contrast to the sole coffee powder utilized so far, opening the way for the reutilization and valorization of this particular waste.