A pillar[5]arene-based 3D network polymer for rapid removal of organic micropollutants from water

Organic micropollutants are posing great challenges to global water resources, especially for non-biodegradable synthetic chemicals. In this study, a carboxyl-derived pillar[5]arene (P5) and p-phenylenediamine (PPD) were crosslinked to produce a 3D network polymer, P5-P, for the adsorption and removal of organic micropollutants from water. This 3D network polymer sequesters a variety of organic micropollutants in water with rapid adsorption rates and large uptake amounts, much greater than those of conventional activated carbon. Especially, this polymer demonstrates superior adsorption performance for fluorescein sodium and methyl orange and it can be fully regenerated multiple times by a mild washing procedure. The structure of this 3D network polymer and its adsorption mechanisms have been confirmed by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR). The excellent pollutant removal ability demonstrates the promise of the pillar[5]arene-based 3D network polymer for rapid waste-water treatment.