A linear free-energy relationship for the prediction of metal ion complexing properties in hybrid carbon-based scavengers

A novel and straightforward approach to accurately predict, through direct potentiometric measurements, the complexing properties and adsorption capacity of novel carbon-based hybrid scavengers toward particular metal ions is described. This innovative approach establishes a linear free-energy relationship (LFER) between the complexing properties of the free-complexing function in solution and the complexing retention capacity of the functionalized carbon-based hybrid material (complexing function supported). In particular, we report the first detailed study concerning the metal ion complexing properties, as well as the complexing mechanisms involved in covalently-bonded carbon-supported hyperbranched polyethyleneimines, towards a series of metal ions of environmental and technical interest, such as Mn2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, Pd2+ and Cr3+. The study based on adsorption isotherm measurements and potentiometric studies of non-bonded hyperbranched polyethyleneimines (HBPEIs) (free in solution) and carbon-supported HBPEI (hybrid material, C-PEI) revealed that bonded HBPEI molecules fully define and control the metal ion complexing abilities of C-PEI, while the carbon structure acts only as a solid support. These results corroborate the prevalence of a reliable linear free-energy relationship (LFER) between the retention capacities of the hybrid material (C-PEI) and the complexing properties of free HBPEI in solution, which supposes a novel approach to easily predict the metal ion complexing properties of carbon-based hybrid materials, through a simple potentiometric titration analysis of the free complexing ligand in solution. This approach has the potential to predict retention capacities of solid materials (actual or proposed) exhibiting surfaces functionalized with HPBEI.