Branched polyethylenimine‐polyethylene glycol‐β‐cyclodextrin polymers for efficient removal of bisphenol A and copper from wastewater

ABSTRACT The present study reports on the development of water‐insoluble polymers including β ‐cyclodextrin ( β ‐CD), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and branched polyethylenimine (b‐PEI) denoted here as X‐CD, for efficient removal of bisphenol A (BPA) and copper ions (Cu(II)) from wastewater. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry results indicate that β ‐CD was successfully linked to b‐PEI and PEG. The adsorption kinetics of BPA and Cu(II) were found to follow a pseudo‐second‐order model. Adsorption isotherm data showed good correlation of BPA and Cu(II) with the Langmuir isotherm models. In regeneration tests, using ethanol and DI water (pH 2) washing, X‐CD exhibited sufficient BPA and Cu(II) recovery efficiency even after the fourth cycle. Furthermore, the adsorption performance of X‐CD was unaffected by co‐existing substances. The results demonstrate simple and environmentally friendly crosslinking without toxic/carcinogenic byproducts, and the efficient removal of endocrine disrupting chemicals and heavy metals from aquatic environments. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137 , 48475.