Acidic polymeric sorbents for the removal of metallic pollution in water: A review

The use of functional polymers for the sorption of metallic species in water was widely practiced in treatment processes. Such sorbents offered the possibility to remove a large range of metals because of the variety of possible functional groups on polymeric backbones. In particular, acidic groups (carboxylic, phosphonic or sulfonic groups) proved to be of great interest for the sorption of different cations. Sorption efficiency and selectivity through complexation or ion exchange interactions were directly linked to the nature of both the functional groups and the cationic metallic ions. In addition, the physical nature of materials was another important parameter that had to be considered. Depending on the polymer solubility, the cross-linking density, and the polymeric architecture, significant differences regarding sorption properties were observed in the sorption kinetics. Thus, it was challenging to select the appropriate polymeric sorbent with the most relevant physical nature and functionality in the area of wastewater treatment. This review aims at reporting organic polymeric materials bearing acidic groups able to interact (selectively or not) with metallic cations. Both synthetic and bio-based materials were reviewed and main parameters that had to be considered when choosing functional organic sorbents for the removal of metallic pollution were highlighted. Finally, recyclability of the polymeric sorbents was also considered. [Display omitted] •Functional polymers can be used as efficient sorbents for heavy metal removal•Chemical groups of polymers sorbents can be adapted to the targeted metallic removal•Modified polymers can be processed as requested by the treatment method•Natural polymers are good candidates for treatment of polluted wastewaters•Combining polymer architecture and functional groups can solve wastewaters depollution