Adsorption Behavior of Co(II) and Eu(III) on Polyacrylamide/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composites

Abstract

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes were used for the synthesis of five different polyacrylamide/ MWCNT composites. Different polymerization techniques were applied, namely, copolymerization, template polymerization of monomers on polyacrylamide, or grafting method, all induced by γ-irradiation. Fourier transform IR spectra were used for characterization. These composites were used for studying the adsorption and separation behaviors of Co(II) and Eu(III) under various experimental conditions. Radioactive isotopes ⁶⁰Co and ^152+154Eu were used for tracing the corresponding elements. The adsorption on the related polymers was also studied for comparison. The K_d values for the adsorption on the nanocomposites were found to be much higher than those on the corresponding polymers. Complete adsorption was achieved on some of the synthesized nanocomposites under definite conditions, suggesting the possibility of complete isolation of Co(II) and/or Eu(III) from large volumes of aqueous solutions. Separation of Co(II) and Eu(III) from each other was also found to be possible under certain conditions.