Synthesis of a magnetic polystyrene-based cation-exchange resin and its utilization for the efficient removal of cadmium (II)

Abstract

A magnetic cation-exchange resin (MCER) was prepared by copolymerization of oleic acid-grafted magnetite with styrene, divinylbenzene (DVB), and triallylisocyanurate (TAIC) for removing Cd(II) from wastewater. A non-magnetic cation-exchange polystyrene resin (CEPR) was also prepared as a reference. Structural and morphological analyses revealed that the MCER and CEPR were mesoporous microspheres; the MCER contained about 25% Fe3O4. The influence of temperature, pH, contact time, and the initial concentration of Cd(II) on the adsorption of Cd(II) was investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity of the MCER reached 88.56 mg/g, which was achieved at 343 K using a Cd(II) initial concentration of 200 mg/L. The adsorption processes attained equilibrium within 120 min for the MCER and 300 min for the CEPR, and were well described by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Furthermore, the equilibrium adsorption data fitted the Freundlich isotherm model better than the Langmuir model. The superior magnetic response and regeneration of the MCER make it a good candidate as an adsorbent for removing Cd(II) from wastewater.