Synthesis of magnetic nanocomposite microparticles for binding of chlorinated organics in contaminated water sources

Abstract

In this work, the development of novel magnetic nanocomposite microparticles (MNMs) via free radical polymerization for their application in the remediation of contaminated water is presented. Acrylated plant-based polyphenols, curcumin multiacrylate (CMA) and quercetin multiacrylate (QMA), were incorporated as functional monomers to create high affinity binding sites for the capture of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), as a model pollutant. The MNMs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and UV-visible spectroscopy. The affinity of these novel materials for PCB 126 was evaluated and fitted to the nonlinear Langmuir model to determine binding affinities (K D ). The results suggest the presence of the polyphenolic moieties enhances the binding affinity for PCB 126, with K D values comparable to that of antibodies. This demonstrates that these nanocomposite materials have promising potential as environmental remediation adsorbents for harmful contaminants.

Hydrogels and Hydrogel Nanocomposites: Enhancing Healthcare through Human and Environmental Treatment

“…[71] Two different acrylated polyphenols were incorporated, curcumin multiacrylate and quercetin multiacrylate, into the polymer hydrogel backbone to enhance affinity for PCBs. The group conducted [71] Copyright 2020, Wiley.…”

“…The incorporation of the acrylated polyphenols was demonstrated to enhance adsorption of PCB 126 and was attributed to 𝜋-𝜋 interactions between aromatic rings of the PCB and polyphenol moieties. [71] In another example, hematite iron oxide nanoparticles (𝛼-Fe 2 O 3 ) were immobilized and impregnated into a chitosan gel matrix to develop chitosan/hematite hydrogel nanocomposites for the removal of Congo red (CR) from aqueous solution. [76] CR adsorption was reported to be driven by both chemisorption and physisorption attributed to hydrogen bonding between surface hydroxyl (-OH) or amine (-NH2) groups present in the hydrogel nanocomposite with electronegative residues (N, S, etc.)…”

“…The incorporation of the acrylated polyphenols was demonstrated to enhance adsorption of PCB 126 and was attributed to π – π interactions between aromatic rings of the PCB and polyphenol moieties. [ 71 ]…”

“…Hydrogel nanocomposites have been demonstrated to exhibit higher elasticity, increased mechanical strength, large specific surface area, improved chemical/biological/electrical properties, and/or enhanced swelling/deswelling behavior that cannot be achieved by individual components on their own. [71,72] Hydrogel nanocomposites have been designed from a variety of natural or synthetic hydrogels and a wide range of nanoparticles (i.e., ceramic, metal, polymeric, carbon nanotubes, liposomes, etc.). The following section briefly discusses some of the most recent developments for hydrogel nanocomposites as environmental remediation tools.…”

“…PCB 126 initial concentrations from 0.003 to 0.1 ppm fitted using the Langmuir model. Reproduced with permission [71]. Copyright 2020, Wiley.…”