Radiation induced in-situ cationic polymerization of polystyrene organogel for selective absorption of cholorophenols from petrochemical wastewater

A new in-situ cationic polymerization was performed to synthesize a cross-linked (91%) polystyrene (PS) organogel through tetrachloroethylene radiolysis assisted by 60Co gamma rays. Hoernschemeyer diagram and swelling capacity test show a better selectivity of PS organogel to chlorinated molecules compared to ester, hydrocarbons and alcohols organic molecules by 80–184 folds. Response surface modeling (RSM) of CPs (2,4,6-trichlorophenol) sorption from artificial wastewater confirm superiority of PS organogel to absorb 1746 μmol CPs/g (∼345 mg CPs/g) at broad pH (4–10) and temperature (25–45 °C). Based on ANOVA statistic, simulated CPs absorption model onto PS organogel was successfully developed, with accuracy of prediction of R2≈ RAdj2 of 0.991–0.995 and lower coefficient of variation of 2.73% with Fmodel of 611.4 at p 99%) by non-covalent and/or dispersive interaction mechanisms with a well-term reusability and good stability up to 5 cycles. [Display omitted] •New stable polystyrene (PS) organogel synthesized in-situ cationic polymerization by γ-rays.•Swelling and Hoernschemeyer diagrams confirm PS gel selectivity for chloro-organics by 28 fold.•Response surface design simulated chlorophenols absorption under different operating parameters.•The PS organogel exhibited good reclamation of petroleum wastewater with a well-reusability.