Melamine-based microporous polymer for highly efficient removal of copper(II) from aqueous solution

In this study, we investigated the ability of a melamine-based microporous polymer network as an adsorbent for removal of copper(II) species from aqueous solutions. A designed Schiff based network (SNW) with high specific surface area was synthesized using melamine and terephthalaldehyde monomers at 180°C for 3 days followed by a freeze-drying process. The porous structure of the material was confirmed by SEM analysis and CO₂ adsorption/desorption studies at 77.3K. The adsorption character of the SNW polymer for various metal salts, namely Pb(II), Fe(II), Hg(II), Zn(II), Ni(II) and Cd(II), was investigated and a specific sorption behaviour against Cu(II) salts was observed. The role of pH and contact time was examined and the highest adsorption capacity for Cu(II) was found as 92% with pH 3.5 at the end of 300min. As evidenced by XRD and Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis, the sorption mechanism is attributed to the coordination system formed between amino groups in the porous structure and Cu(II) ions. Reusability of the system was also demonstrated by applying four cycles without any significant loss of activity.