Micro-hydrogel Particles Consisting of Hyperbranched Polyamidoamine for the Removal of Heavy Metal Ions from Water

A series of micro-hydrogel particles consisting of hyperbranched polyamidoamine (HPAMAM) without any supporting core materials was synthesized via the inverse suspension condensation polymerization of A(2) and B(4) monomers, N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) and ethylenediamine (EDA). The particles were found to be highly effective when used to remove heavy metal ions, such as cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, zinc, and cobalt, from water, and they could be separated from the water by a simple filtration process. The results of this study demonstrate that crosslinked HPAMAM particles, which can be prepared by a simple and environmentally friendly process, are an attractive absorbent for water purification.