Synthesis of Highly Durable Sulfonated Polyketone Fibers by Direct Sulfonation Reaction and Their Adsorption Properties for Heavy Metals

In this study, sulfonated polyketone (SPK) cation exchange fibers were prepared by direct sulfonation with various concentration of sulfonating agent and sulfonation time. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum analysis was performed to confirm the structure of the sulfonated polyketone cation exchange fibers. The degree of sulfonation (DOS) and water uptake (W.U) of SPK cation exchange fibers were measured by gravimetric method and ion exchange capacity (IEC) was measured by titration method, respectively. The DOS of the SPK cation exchange fibers increased with sulfonation time and concentration of sulfonating agent. The SPK cation exchange fibers sulfonated for 15 min at a mole ratio of 1:2 of polyketone to chlorosulfonic acid had the DOS of 47%, ion exchange capacity 3.36 meq/g, and water content 35.1%, showing the best performance.