Chromium (VI) adsorption by polymeric PEEK-WC/Aliquat-336 microspheres

Phase inversion process has been successfully applied for polymeric microspheres preparation, based on the use of a modified polyether ether ketone (PEEK-WC) polymer doped with Aliquat-336. The modified microspheres were characterized by several techniques such as the Rheometer for measuring the viscosity of dope solution, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), for morphology analysis BET analysis and porometer for surface area and pore size determination. Meso-porous microspheres were obtained. They presented an asymmetric structure and a diameter of about 1.5 mm. The produced microspheres loaded in a column system have been successfully and efficiently used for chromium (VI) adsorption from aqueous solution.