Quaternization and anion exchange capacity of sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica)

Gourd (Luffa cylindrica) was converted into an anion exchange material through its etherification using 2-chloroethyldiethylamine hydrochloride (CEDA-HCl) followed by crosslinking using epichlorohydrin. The effects of the different etherification reaction parameters (CEDA concentration, NaOH concentration, and temperature) on the extent of modification were followed up by elemental analysis of nitrogen to optimize the reaction. The effect of the etherification on the supramolecular structure was followed by the X-ray diffraction. The ability of the crosslinked dieth-ylaminoethylated luffa (DEAE-luffa), after its quaternization with methyl iodide, to adsorb sulfate, nitrate, and phosphate anions was tested. The crosslinked DEAE-luffa showed higher affinity toward phosphate anions followed by sulfate and nitrate. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.