Spherical Polymer Gels Containing Sulfonate Groups: Synthesis and Adsorption Properties

Porous crosslinked polyelectrolyte microspheres 1–5 μm in diameter have been synthesized on the basis of either p-styrene sulfonate used as a functional monomer or a mixture of p-styrene sulfonate and vinyl acetate. The content of sulfonate groups in the obtained polyelectrolyte microspheres is higher than 2 mmol/g. It has been shown that the incorporation of the hydrophobic comonomer significantly increases the swelling degree of the polyelectrolyte microspheres. The adsorption value of model compounds (fuchsine and methylene blue) has been found to significantly exceed the concentration of sulfonate groups. The morphology and structure of the surface layer of polyelectrolyte microspheres have been studied by optical and scanning electron microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy, while their specific surface area has been determined by the BET method.