Conversion of post consumer waste polystyrene into a high value adsorbent and its sorptive properties for Congo Red removal from aqueous solution

Using post -consumer waste polystyrene (WPS), a conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) was syn-thesised and activated into a sulphonic-group carrying resin (SCMP). The surface chemistry of the ma-terials showed a decline in both the aromatic -C-H and aliphatic -CH2-stretching vibrations confirming successful crosslinking. The synthesised polymers were thermally stable with decomposition temperatures above 300 degrees C, had surface heterogeneity, and BET surface areas of 752 and 510 m(2)/g, respectively. A distribution of pores ranging from meso-to micro -pores was comparable to other CMPs. The materials had maximum adsorption capacities of 500 and 357 mg/g for Congo Red (CR) on CMP and SCMP, respectively. Converting waste polystyrene to an adsorbent is a cost effective way of handling waste and simultaneously providing material for wastewater remediation.(C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.