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

This article summarizes the recent advancement of polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) and PIM-based materials for the removal of dyes through adsorption, nanofiltration, and photocatalytic degradation. The challenges and key parameters for improving the dye removal properties of PIM-based materials are also discussed.