Removal of dyes using polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs): a recent approach

Removal of dyes from various industrial effluents is a great challenge, and cost-effective methods and materials with high dye removal efficacy are in high demand. Adsorption, nanofiltration and photocatalytic degradation are three major techniques that have been investigated for dye removal. PIMs are promising materials for use in these three methods based on their attributes, such as microporosity, solution processibility, high chemical stability and tunability through facile synthesis and easy postmodification. Although the number of reports on dye removal employing PIMs are limited, some of the materials have been shown to exhibit good dye separation properties, which are comparable to those of the state-of-the-art material activated carbon. In this highlight, we make an account of progress in PIMs and PIM-based composite materials in different dye removal processes over the last decade. Furthermore, we discuss the existing challenges of PIM-based materials and aim to analyze the key parameters for improving their dye removal properties. This highlight article discusses the recent advancement of polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) and PIM based materials for removal of dyes by adsorption, nanofiltration and photocatalytic degradation.

Automated summary

Removal of dyes from industrial effluents is a challenging task, and there is a high demand for cost-effective methods and materials with high dye removal efficacy. Adsorption, nanofiltration, and photocatalytic degradation are the three major techniques that have been studied for dye removal. Polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) has shown promise for use in these techniques, due to its microporous structure, solution processibility, high chemical stability, and tunability through synthesis and postmodification. Although the number of reports on dye removal using PIMs is limited, some materials have demonstrated comparable dye separation properties to activated carbon, a state-of-the-art material. This highlight article summarizes the progress in PIMs and PIM-based composite materials for dye removal in the past decade, and discusses the challenges and key parameters for improving their dye removal properties.