Cellulose/poly(ethylene imine) composites as efficient and reusable adsorbents for heavy metal ions

A series of Cellulose/poly-ethylene imine (PEI) composites were prepared by grafting hyperbranched PEI onto cellulose chains in alkali/urea aqueous solvent system through “one step” method. The SEM results showed that the Cellulose/PEI composite maintained porous structure. The Cellulose/PEI composites were tested as Cu(II) adsorbents through thermodynamics and kinetics study. The adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics equation. The adsorption isotherms could be described by both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The maximum adsorption amount was calculated to be 285.7 mg/g. The composites showed good stability so that they could be used in a wide range of pH and temperature. Besides, the Cu(II) loaded Cellulose/PEI composite could also be easily regenerated by dilute sulfuric acid and still keep a major adsorption capacity. Finally, the adsorption capacities of Celluloes/PEI composite towards other metal ions, such as Zn(II), Ni(II), Cr(III) and Pb(II), were also demonstrated. It will be a new high-performance and environmental friendly material for sewage disposal and metal pollution treatment with promising developmental potential.