Preparation of magnetic resin microspheres M-P(MMA-DVB-GMA) and the adsorption property to heavy metal ions

Magnetic resin microspheres called MPMDG(2) were prepared by suspension polymerization combined with basic and acidic hydrolysis. The adsorption property of resin microspheres to heavy metal ions was investigated. Structural and morphological analysis revealed that the resin had high specific surface area and mesoporous structure. The resin contained about 9.2 wt% Fe3O4 and exhibited a high magnetic response. Adsorption experiments showed that the resin can selectively absorb Cr(III) and Pb(II) ions. The adsorption process was well described by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the equilibrium adsorption data fitted the Langmuir isotherm model better than the Freundlich model. Ion exchange along with chemistry chelating was the most probable mechanisms for the adsorption of metal ions on the resin. The superior magnetic response, regeneration and selective adsorption property of the MPMDG(2) make it a good candidate as an adsorbent for removing Cr(III), Pb(II) and Cu(II) from wastewater.