Epoxy resin modified with amine as an effective complexing agent of metal cations

A simple synthesis of a material capable of metal cation removal is proposed. The material was a derivative of epoxy resin containing amine groups. It is insoluble in water and in this study it was characterized by elemental analysis and infrared spectroscopy. The sorbent obtained was tested for its ability to remove coper(II), cadmium(II) and lead(II) from water solutions. The tests were performed for different concentrations of metal ions (10–200 mg L^?1) and at different pH (2.0–9.0). The effects of temperature and stirring time, as well as reusability of the sorbent were also studied in batch experiments. In the optimum conditions, the decrease in the cation concentration in aqueous solutions was observed in the order Cu>Pb>Cd but for each ion the decrease was at least 50% of the initial concentration. The sorbent has demonstrated high effectiveness in cation sorption and after regeneration it can be applied repeatedly in the process described.