Synthesis and application of ammonium-based poly(ionic liquids) as novel cationic flocculants

The efficient and environmentally friendly method for preparation of novel flocculants using ILs with non-toxic anions are presented. Poly(ionic liquids) (PILs) were prepared by the photopolymerization of polymerizable ILs. All monomers were obtained via anion exchange reaction. Additionally, the polymers were fully characterized by 1H NMR and FTIR spectroscopy, thermal analysis and gel permeation chromatography. Furthermore, these cationic polymers containing harmless anions were used as flocculants. The efficiency was tested using the yeast suspension as a model system of negatively charged particles. The synthesized water-soluble PILs exhibited high molecular weight and significant flocculation efficiency in the wide range of concentrations. Furthermore, the results of experiments show that flocculation of yeast occurs by charge neutralization and bridging mechanism.