Facile synthesis of calix[4]arene-based polymer for effective removal of cationic dyes and antihistamines from water

Background: Calix[n]arenes is an important class of the third-generation compounds of supramolecules and has attracted increasing attention owing to its host-guest property and flexible modification. The previously reported calix[n]arene-based materials required a complex reaction process and many toxic or expensive chemicals, which resulted in high cost and hindered their application. Therefore, a novel calix[4]arene-based polymer adsorbent was facilely prepared and used as the adsorbent for removal of six cationic dyes including methylene blue, crystal violet, malachite green, basic orange 2, basic yellow 2, rhodamine B and two antihistamines including meclizine and promethazine in water. Methods: The calix[4]arene-based polymer adsorbent was synthesized through a simple one-step process and systematically evaluated by various characterization tools. The effects of major parameters on adsorption were investigated through batch experiments. Significant findings: On the basis of Langmuir model, the calculated maximum adsorption capacities of methylene blue, crystal violet, malachite green, basic orange 2, basic yellow 2, rhodamine B, meclizine and promethazine were 370.37, 303.03, 625.00, 526.32, 500.00, 263.16, 374.53 and 344.83 mg g- 1, respectively. Additionally, the application in practical water samples proved the good performance of calix[4]arene-based polymer adsorbent, and it is expected that this research will provide new perspectives for the fabrication of calix[n]arene-based materials for environmental applications.