Synthesis of new ionic β-cyclodextrin polymers and characterization of their heavy metals retention

In this study, a new aqueous insoluble ionic beta-cyclodextrin polymer (PYR), synthesized by reaction of beta-cyclodextrin with pyromellitic anhydride [1], is characterized by IR spectroscopy, showing typical cyclodextrin and carboxylic absorptions. pH-metric titrations of the acidic functions with standard NaOH solutions followed by a refinement of protonation constants, with specific software for equilibrium in solution, have been performed. Through this approach, the pK (a) values of the functional groups have been calculated. The complexation capabilities of PYR towards metal ions [Al(III), Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Pd(II), Cd(II), Pt(IV), Tl(I), and U(IV)] have been evaluated in aqueous solution (pH 3-5). The retention is mainly pH dependent and higher than 70% for Al(III), Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Pd(II), Cd(II) and U(IV). For Tl(I) and Pt(IV) the retention is about 60% and 40% respectively.