Synthesis of Polyacrylonitrile by ARGET Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization in the Presence of Zinc Powder and Its Adsorption Properties after Modification

Zinc powder was used as both reducing agent and supplemental activator for atom transfer radical polymerization via activators regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET ATRP) to prepare polyacrylonitrile (PAN). Zinc powder was found to be an excellent additional agent with better controlled behavior, higher monomer conversion, and faster polymerization rate in comparison with ascorbic acid (VC). The effects of catalyst, ligand, and initiator on polymerization rate and molecular weight of PAN were investigated in detail. The resulting PAN was modified and employed as an adsorbent for removal of metal ions. Compared with Cu(II) and Pb(II), the modified PAN showed an excellent adsorption performance toward Hg(II).