Inverse Vulcanized Polymers for Sustainable Metal Remediation

Heavy metal exposure has an enormous burden on human health. Current metal removal technologies require substantial improvements in relation to their efficiency and environmental impact if this issue is to be addressed. Over the last decade, several new types of sulfur‐rich sorbents have been investigated. These polymers typically have high removal efficiencies for toxic metals such as mercury and are often made using sustainable and low‐cost reagents. This review surveys polymers made by inverse vulcanization that have been tested for metal capture. Focus is put on environmental impact, feedstock for sorbent synthesis, selectivity towards metal removal, toxicity studies, and the reusability of the polymers. Furthermore, this review discusses current limitations and the potential opportunities to use different comonomers for improved metal capture. Sulfur polymers made by inverse vulcanization show promise as sorbents for toxic metals. These polymers provide low‐cost and sustainable solutions to capture and remove a wide range of metals from industrial waste and the environment. Recent studies highlight the potential for sorbent regeneration and the use of these polymers as safe storage media for long‐term metal sequestration.