Gram-scale synthesis of monodisperse sulfonated polystyrene nanospheres for rapid and efficient sequestration of heavy metal ions

Herein, gram-scale monodisperse sulfonated polystyrene (SPS) nanospheres are synthesized and examined as a sorbent for the removal of heavy metal ions (Pb2+, Zn2+ and Cu2+). The resulting uniform SPS nanospheres exhibit remarkable adsorption capabilities and kinetics, facile regeneration and outstanding recyclability, affording promising applications in food engineering and water cleanup.