Effective removal of heavy metals from an aqueous solution with poly(N-vinylimidazole-acrylamide) hydrogels

In this study poly(N-vinylimidazole-acrylamide) p(N-VI-AAm) hydrogels were prepared as an adsorbent for adsorptive removal of lead (II) and copper (II) ions from aqueous solution. Adsorption studies showed that poly(N-vinylimidazole-acrylamide) p(N-VI-AAm) hydrogels can be effectively used to remove heavy metals. Hydrogel characterization was done by FTIR and SEM. The effect of the removal conditions such as contact time, pH, temperature, and initial metal ion concentration on the Pb (II) and Cu (II) ions binding was also tested. Maximum adsorption was achieved at 30 degrees C and 35 degrees C for Pb (II) and Cu (II) after 24 h, respectively. Experimental capacities were calculated as 262 and 53 mg g(-1) for lead and copper, respectively. The isotherms were analyzed with Langmuir and Freundlich models. Briefly, this economic and high adsorption performance poly(N-VI-AAm) hydrogel is a promising candidate for sewage disposal and metal pollution treatment.