Abstract
In this study, betaine-type polyampholytes (polycarbobetaines, PCBets) are investigated as complexingagents of metal ions. Because PCBets are pH-sensitive due to the presence of amine and carboxylic acidgroups, the complexation of copper was monitored at various pH values (from 3 to 6) by UV–vis spectroscopyand/or electrochemical measurements. The results obtained for the complexation of copperwere greatly enhanced as the pH increased and reached 264 ± 11 mg g1 at pH = 6. This maximumadsorption capacity rivals the recent results obtained for molecules of environmental interest, such aschitosan. The selectivity of the target PCBets for copper was indicated in the presence of nickel and/orcobalt and partially accounts for the interest in this material and demonstrated the relevance of usingPCBet in environmental applications (such as metal recovery from wastes/wastewaters or environmentalsensors). The efficiency of copper adsorption was maintained over 5 cycles of PCBet reuse (91 ± 4%).