Synthesis of polyamine-CNT composites for the removal of toxic cadmium metal ions from wastewater

This paper investigates the synthesis of melamine-based polyamine polymers covalently bonded to 0.1 wt% multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT). The progression in chemical changes to the polymer structure were monitored over time with solid-state C-13 NMR. The synthesized polymer composites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and powder X-ray diffraction. Surface morphology was studied before and after sorption using a scanning electron microscope attached to an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope. In addition, polymer composites were evaluated for their efficacy in the removal of cadmium (II) ions from aqueous solutions under various controlled conditions including pH, contact time and temperature. The efficiency of the polymer/CNT composite demonstrates its potential as new adsorbents for the removal of toxic cadmium (II) ions from aqueous solutions. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.