Development of Polymer Based Nanocomposites as a Marker of Cadmium in Complex Matrices

Poly(propylene carbonate)/ β ‐cyclodextrin (PPC‐BCD) nanocomposites were developed as effective extractor for a specific extraction and separation of cadmium(II) by use of inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry. The selectivity of nanocomposites with different wt% of BCD (PPC‐BCD 0.5, PPC‐BCD 1, PPC‐BCD 3, PPC‐BCD 5, or PPC‐BCD 10) was investigated toward Cd(II). Based on selectivity and pH studies, Cd(II) was the most quantitatively adsorbed on PPC‐BCD 5 phase at pH 6, indicating that PPC‐BCD 5 was the most selective toward Cd(II) among other nanocomposites. On the basis of adsorption isotherm study, the superior adsorption capacity of PPC‐BCD 5 phase for Cd(II) was found to be 149.25 mg·g −1 , following the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The kinetic of adsorption for Cd(II) has been examined by pseudo‐first‐ and second‐order models. The kinetic exploration suggested a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model for the adsorption of Cd(II) on the PPC‐BCD 5. Additionally, results of thermodynamic investigation demonstrated favorable spontaneous process for the adsorption mechanism of PPC‐BCD 5 toward Cd(II).