Hyperbranched polyamide-functionalized sodium alginate microsphere as a novel adsorbent for the removal of antimony(III) in wastewater.

In order to enhance the removal of Sb(III) in wastewater, hyperbranched polyamide-functionalized sodium alginate (HA@SA) microsphere was prepared by grafting of hyperbranched polyamide (HA) on the surface of sodium alginate (SA) microsphere. Adsorption properties of Sb(III) were investigated via static and dynamic adsorption tests. The cycling reusability of HA@SA microspheres was explored through adsorption-desorption tests. The changes of HA@SA microspheres before and after adsorption were characterized by FT-IR, SEM-EDS, and XPS. Results showed that the maximum Sb(III) adsorption capacity of HA@SA microspheres reached up to 195.7 mg/g, improved by 1.16 times in comparison with SA microspheres. The Sb(III) adsorption processes of HA@SA microspheres were depicted by pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm models with accuracy. It covered a homogeneous single-layer adsorption controlled by chemisorption along with exotherm spontaneously. After recycling for 8 times, the adsorption capacity of HA@SA microspheres still retained higher than 90% of the original value.