Effective Removal of Heavy Metal Ions from Wastewater Using a New Magnetic PolyHIPE Monoliths

New composites based on microcellular polymers with interconnected controlled porosity and functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄-triazole) were developed. These compounds were prepared by polymerization of the internal phase of highly concentrated Pickering emulsions (HIPE). A study of the effect of magnetic nanoparticle charge on the stability of the highly concentrated emulsions was conducted. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to identify the morphologies and particle sizes, whereas Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to identify the presence or absence of functional groups related to polymer matrix and incorporated functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. The crystalline nature of the composite was determined using X-ray diffraction studies. The thermogravimetric analysis gave the thermal stability of the composites. Other characterization techniques such as BET, magnetization, and Zeta potential measurement were also considered. The adsorption properties of these materials for three ion metals Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Zn²⁺ were evaluated by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Rapid adsorption kinetics were observed for all the ions studied with a 25 min equilibrium time for copper and zinc, and 60 min for lead, at pH = 5.5. The adsorption process was perfectly correlated with the pseudo-order kinetic model and the Langmuir-type isotherm with maximum adsorption capacities of 303.03, 149.25, and 135.93 mg.g⁻¹ for Pb (II), Cu (II)), and Zn (II), respectively.