Water detoxification by a substrate-bound catecholamine adsorbent

摘要

A bio-inspired method for detoxifying contaminated water is disclosed. In the method, polydopamine, a mussel-inspired adhesive catecholamine was used as an adsorbent to effectively remove from contaminated water three major classes of toxic agents: heavy metal ions (e.g., Cr, Hg, Pb, Cu, and Cd), toxic organic species (e.g., 4-aminopyridine), and radioisotopes (e.g., Lutetium-177). Furthermore, the polydopamine adsorbent was regenerated by treatment with acid or hydrogen peroxide.

主权项

1. A method for removing one or more contaminants from water, the method comprising contacting the water with an adsorbent comprising a polydopamine polymer, whereby the one or more contaminants are adsorbed to the polydopamine polymer and removed from the water; and
regenerating the adsorbent by contacting the adsorbent with dilute acid, whereby the contaminants are removed from the adsorbent.