Green and Efficient Synthesis of an Adsorbent Fiber by Plasma-induced Grafting of Glycidyl Methacrylate and Its Cd(II) Adsorption Performance

A new chelating adsorbent for the removal of Cd(II) from aqueous solution, PP-g-GMA-DETA fibers, is prepared by plasma induced grafting of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto the surface of polypropylene (PP) fibers, followed by modification with diethylenetriamine (DETA). The effects of grafting parameters on the grafting degree are investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy prove the successful grafting of GMA onto the surfaces of PP fibers and the subsequent conversion of epoxy groups of grafted GMA to amine groups, on reaction with DETA. The adsorption performances of Cd(II) by the chelating fibers are evaluated in detail. Kinetic and isothermal parameters are also evaluated. The data fit well with the pseudo-second order and Langmuir isotherm model, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cd(II) is 46.47 mg g-1 and the prepared fibers show selective adsorbability towards target Cd(II) in presence of competing Mg(II) ions.