Self-assembled
composite adsorbents that combine the controllability
of self-assembly with a mild operation process are promising for removal
of heavy metal ions in wastewater. The design and preparation of functionalized
composite adsorbent materials with multiple-site adsorption ability
remain the most attractive in effectively removing heavy metal ions.
Inspired by the macroporous structure of charged polystyrene (PS)
resin and chelation of Schiff bases with heavy metal ions, smart composite
adsorbents are constructed based on the combination and synergistic
effect of multiple hydrophobic, π–π stacking, and
electrostatic noncovalent interactions between polystyrene resin and
naphthylidene-containing Schiff base (NSB). The resulting hybrid nanomaterials
(PS-NSB) have uniform porous structures and well-defined and multiple
target sites. These properties promote diffusion of the target ion,
increase the binding site, and enhance the removal efficacy. This
study offers a new strategy to harness a self-assembled Schiff base
with integrated flexibility and multifunctions to enhance target metal
ion specific binding and removal effects, highlighting opportunities
to develop smart composite adsorbents.