Synthesis and investigation of hydrogel nanoparticles based on natural polymer for removal of lead and copper(II) ions

Hydrogel nanoparticles were synthesized by graft copolymerization of acrylic acid and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA) onto carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) by inverse microemulsion polymerization. Ethylene glycol dimthacrylate (EGDMA) was used as crosslinker. The structure, morphology, and size of the prepared nanogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope, respectively. The prepared nanogels were used to remove copper and lead ions from aqueous solutions. The effects of pH, time, crosslinker concentrations, temperature, and initial metal ion concentration on the metal ion removal capacity were investigated.