Synthesis, Characterization and Metal Ion Adsorption Studies on Novel Aromatic Poly(Azomethine Amide)s Containing Thiourea Groups

Abstract

A series of novel ladder-type poly(azomethine amide)s (PAMs) were prepared from new azomethine containing carboxylic acid monomer (TCA) with simple aromatic diamines and aromatic diamines with thiourea groups (TDAs) by means of phosphorylation polycondensation reaction. Molecular weights of the polyamides were evaluated viscometrically, and the inherent viscosities were in the range of 0.31 - 0.58 g/dl. These ladder-type polymers were not freely soluble in common organic solvents. Structure of monomers and polymers were confirmed using FT-IR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopic analysis. Removal of Cu2+ and Cd2+ from aqueous solutions by adsorption onto the polyamides was investigated. The effect of pH, initial metal ion concentrations and contact time were studied in batch experiments. The polyamides were found to be highly effective adsorbents for the removal of Cu2+ and Cd2+ metal ions from aqueous solutions. In a mixture of metal ions, the selectivity order was found to be Pb(II) > Cu(II) > Cr(IV) > Cd(II).