Circular adsorptive utilization of benzalkonium chloride via construction of ionic microenvironment in dopamine quinone-functionalized acrylic fiber surface

A novel dopamine quinone-functionalized acrylic fiber (PANdpqF) was successfully synthesized, which adsorbed the disinfectant dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (DDBAC) to in-situ construct a highly efficient catalyst (DDBAC@PANdpqF) for the cyclization of CO2 with epoxide. The successful preparation of PANdpqF was proved by 13C Cross Polarization-Magic Angle Spinning nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and scanning electron micro-scopy. High adsorption capacity of DDBAC on PANdpqF has been demonstrated by ultraviolet analysis, and the theoretical maximum adsorption capacity was calculated as 666.67 mg/g. Based on comprehensive analysis, the corresponding adsorption mechanism is proposed in which chloride ion of DDBAC is added to o-quinone moiety through Michael addition, followed by the formation of phenoxy and quaternary ammonium ion pair. DDBAC@PANdpqF was well applicable to catalyze the cyclization of CO2, and the yield could reach 93.7% even with a low catalyst loading. The possible cooperatively catalytic mechanism was proposed correspondingly, in which phenolic hydroxyl helps to activate CO2 and epoxide, phenoxy anion attacks CO2 as a nucleophile, and quaternary ammonium cation stabilizes the anionic intermediates. Overall, the functionalized acrylic fiber adsorbed environmentally harmful disinfectant DDBAC to furnish a highly active catalyst for the transformation of greenhouse gas CO2 into useful carbonates, which provides a new method for advanced environmental pollution control.(c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A novel dopamine quinone-functionalized acrylic fiber was synthesized and used to adsorb the disinfectant DDBAC to create a highly efficient catalyst for the cyclization of CO2. The successful preparation of the fiber and its high adsorption capacity for DDBAC were confirmed. The adsorption and catalytic mechanisms were proposed based on comprehensive analysis.