Synthesis of a novel crosslinked superabsorbent copolymer with diazacyclooctadecane crown ether and its sorption capability

A novel crosslinked poly(acrylic acid-copolymer-Kryptofix-22-DM) superabsorbent copolymer, poly(AA-co-Kry22-DM), was synthesised by the reaction of 4,13-dimethylacryloyl-1,7,10,16-tetraoxa-4,13-diazacyclooctadecane (Kyrptofix-22-DM) and acrylic acid (AA). Characterisation of the polymers was achieved by FTIR and 1H NMR techniques. Sorption capacity of the crosslinked poly(AA-co-Kry22-DM) superabsorbent copolymer was investigated for Pb2+, Cu2+, Cr3+, Cd2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, and Ni2+ heavy metal ions at different pH values using Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. Swelling ratio, qv, and distribution ratio, log D, values of the crosslinked poly(AA-co-Kry22-DM) superabsorbent copolymer were calculated at various pH values.