A series of biquaternary
ammonium-functionalized fibers were developed
to efficiently realize selective removal of phenolic compounds from
water. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy were employed to determine the successful preparation
of functionalized fibers. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction
(XRD) patterns, and elemental analysis were used to analyze the microstructure
and composition. First, the adsorption result shows that a fiber with
a three-carbon alkyl chain (PANBQAS‑3F) has the
maximum adsorption capacity for 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) (406 mg
g–1). Electrostatic attraction and π–π
interaction are the main forces in adsorption. The adsorption kinetics
studies display that PANBQAS‑3F can rapidly adsorb
2,4-DNP in 10 min and achieve equilibrium within 20 min. The adsorption
process of 2,4-DNP by PANBQAS‑3F follows the Langmuir
model, demonstrating that the process is more consistent with monolayer
adsorption. What is more, the adsorbent PANBQAS‑3F can be reused after 10 adsorption/desorption cycles and still maintains
an excellent removal rate (99%). Otherwise, PANBQAS‑3F was used in a continuous flow process and exhibited a removal rate
of more than 96%, which certifies that PANBQAS‑3F is an excellent adsorbent and can be utilized in practice.