Imidazolium-based ionic polymers for fast and efficient anion-exchange driven capture of Cr2O72−
摘要
The pervasive issue of chromium(VI) contamination, particularly in dichromate (Cr2O72−), resulting from unchecked industrial growth and inadequate waste management, remains a pressing concern that demands immediate and dedicated attention. Herein, we present two novel imidazolium-based ionic polymers (ImIPs). The ImIPs boast a highly cationic structure rich in bromide (Br−) ions and exhibit remarkable porosity, facilitating the easy exchange of these ions for chromate (Cr2O72−) through anion metathesis. This unique combination leads to exceptional performance, including a high adsorption capacity (423 mg/g), rapid adsorption rate (75 mg g−1 min−1), and a broad operational pH range (2–12). Moreover, our material demonstrates remarkable reusability, maintaining its efficacy even after 10 cycles without significant loss of function. Detailed mechanistic studies underscore the role of ion-exchange chemistry in effectively removing dichromate by the presented ImIPs, providing strong evidence for their suitability as a robust solution to address the ongoing challenges in water purification. These findings represent a crucial step in developing advanced materials for tackling chromium(VI) pollution.