Aluminum oxyhydroxide-doped PMMA hybrids powder prepared via facile one-pot method towards copper ion removal from aqueous solution

A novel polymethyl methacrylate/boehmite nanocomposite with remarkably enhanced adsorption performance of Cu(II) was synthesized from Al ( NO 3 ) 3 · 9 H 2 O using a facile sol–gel method. The effects of boehmite content, contact time and morphology of hybrid (pH of synthesis) as the main parameters on removal efficiency and removal capability of hybrid on copper ions have been explored. Composites contained between 0.7 and 5wt% boehmite content and those with dissimilar morphology prepared with different pH values showed different adsorption behavior. Batch adsorption experiments show that the adsorption performance of the hybrids was enhanced with increased boehmite and contact time. The highest removal efficiency and adsorption capability were achieved when the hybrid was prepared at pH 8 with associated increased catalytic activity. Graphic abstract Highlights PMMA/aluminum oxyhydroxide hybrids act as a good Cu adsorbent The absorption behavior depends on hybrid morphology The higher surface area of hybrids provides a great capability to absorb Cu ions in aqueous media