Polymerization Of Aniline Catalyzed By Hematin Supported On Functionalized Magnetic MWCNTs

Aniline is widely used as feedstock for manufacturing of dyes, pesticides, medicine and rubbers. Aniline is a toxic water pollutant and is harmful to aquatic life. Hematin can catalyze the polymerization of aniline generating insoluble polyaniline. In this work, hematin immobilized on functionalized magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Hem@f-MWCNTs) for catalytic elimination of aniline from water was prepared.Purified MWCNTs were functionalized with 3-mercaptopropyl triethoxysilane (MPTS) conferring sulfydryl groups on their surfaces. Factors influencing the amount of sulfhydryl groups on the surface of f-MWCNTs were discussed. Hematin was supported on the surface of f-MWCNTs via the reaction between sulfhydryl groups on the surfaces of f-MWCNTs and alkene group in hematin. Hem@f-MWCNTs can improve the dispersion of catalysts in solution, promote aniline polymerization, and achieve recovery of the catalysts.The conversion ratio of aniline and precipitation ratio of insoluble polyaniline as a function of pH、reaction time、amount of hydrogen peroxide and hematin added were studied. Aniline polymerization at room temperature, with Hem@f-MWCNTs as catalyst, hydrogen peroxide as oxidant, was studied.The water-soluble poly (aspartic acid) (PASP), which is completely biodegradable, was synthesized by polymerization of L-aspartic acid. The influence of PASP on the aniline polymerization was studied. Because the interaction between PASP and aniline providing a micro-environment, adding PASP to the solution can accelerate aniline polymerization, thus promote aniline removal from water.