Using of Polyaniline-Polyvinyl Acetate Composite to Remove Mercury from Aqueous Media

In the present study, Polyaniline-polyvinyl acetate composite (PANi/PVAc) was used to remove mercury from aqueous media. The PANi/PVAc was chemically synthesized and mercury adsorption experiment was done in batch mode. On this basis, the impact of different parameters, including contact time, solution pH, consumed absorbent amount and applied adsorption isotherms, were further examined. The amount of polyvinyl acetate used in the synthesis process played a crucial role, and the highest percentage of mercury removal was observed for the composites with 4 mg/L concentration of polyvinyl acetate. Moreover, optimal mercury removal (92.2%) occurred at pH 6 and contact time of 30 min. According to the results, adsorption of mercury by PANi/PVAc can fit the Langmuir isotherm better than Freundlich isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity was calculated 76.92 (mg/g) for the PANi/PVAc composite. The used adsorbent can be reused for mercury efficient removal with 6% loss of its removal capacity after its regeneration. The study of the FTIR confirmed the formation of the composite and XRD pattern indicated that PANi/PVAc composite was amorphous and contained benzene rings.