Preparation, characterization and application of poly(sodium p-styrenesulfonate)/poly(methyl methacrylate) particles

In this study, poly(sodium p-styrenesulfonate)/poly(methyl methacrylate) particles were facilely prepared by in situ cross-linked polymerization followed with a liquid–liquid phase inversion technique. The particles exhibited selective adsorption for cationic dyes due to the negatively charged sulfonic groups. The intra-particle diffusion process was the rate-limiting step for the adsorption of methylene blue. More than 90% of cationic dye was removed by the adsorption column of the particles after three circulations. The particles could be facilely fabricated and industrially used for wastewater treatment.