Gamma radiation synthesized POSS crown ether polymers for efficient and selective lithium recovery from seawater
Issued Date
2025-11-01
Resource Type
eISSN
26668211
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105019678403
Journal Title
Chemical Engineering Journal Advances
Volume
24
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Chemical Engineering Journal Advances Vol.24 (2025)
Suggested Citation
Prigyai N., Trakulmututa J., Bunchuay T., Sangtawesin T. Gamma radiation synthesized POSS crown ether polymers for efficient and selective lithium recovery from seawater. Chemical Engineering Journal Advances Vol.24 (2025). doi:10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100924 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/112865
Title
Gamma radiation synthesized POSS crown ether polymers for efficient and selective lithium recovery from seawater
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Corresponding Author(s)
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Abstract
The rapid increase in worldwide demand for lithium ions (Li<sup>+</sup>) is driven by progress in renewable energy storage systems and nuclear technology. The development of efficient recovery techniques has been required. Adsorption-based methods provided operational simplicity and environmental sustainability. However, it is limited by poor selectivity, low adsorption capacities, and complex synthesis processes. In this study, a novel and efficient strategy was developed to fabricate crown ether–functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)-based polymers via gamma radiation-induced grafting followed by post-functionalization with 2-hydroxymethyl-12-crown-4 (2H12C4). The synthesized materials, P-POSS_MethylD<inf>4</inf>_2H12C4 and P-POSS_VinylD<inf>4</inf>_2H12C4, were thoroughly characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and solid-state <sup>13</sup>C NMR spectroscopy, confirming successful synthesis and robust structural formation. Both materials demonstrated notable Li<sup>+</sup> adsorption capacities of 2.95 and 3.05 mg/g within 5 h and exhibited high selectivity toward Li<sup>+</sup> in the presence of competing cations (Na<sup>+</sup>, K<sup>+</sup>, Mg<sup>2+</sup>, Ca<sup>2+</sup>), with selective separation factors exceeding 4.07. They also showed excellent regeneration performance, retaining their adsorption capacity over five consecutive adsorption–desorption cycles. Moreover, the materials showed successful Li<sup>+</sup> extraction from actual seawater, highlighting their applicability in aqueous environments. This work presents a scalable, catalyst-free, and environmentally friendly platform for advanced Li<sup>+</sup> extraction materials.