Polypyrrole Aerogels: Efficient Adsorbents of Cr(VI) Ions from Aqueous Solutions

Three-dimensional and porous polypyrrole (PPy) aerogels were prepared using a facile two-step procedure in which cryogels were synthesized via the cryopolymerization of pyrrole with iron (III) chloride in the presence of supporting water-soluble polymers (poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone), poly(vinyl alcohol), gelatin, methylcellulose or hydroxypropylcellulose), followed by freeze-drying to obtain aerogels. The choice of supporting polymers was found to affect the morphology, porosity, electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties of PPy aerogels. PPy aerogels were successfully used as adsorbents to remove toxic Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solutions.

Automated summary

Three-dimensional and porous polypyrrole (PPy) aerogels were synthesized via a simple two-step procedure involving cryopolymerization and freeze-drying. The choice of supporting polymers influenced the morphology, porosity, electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties of the PPy aerogels. These PPy aerogels exhibited effective adsorption of toxic Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solutions.