Dual use of colorimetric sensor and selective copper removal from aqueous media with novel p(HEMA-co-TACYC) hydrogels: Cyclen derivative as both monomer and crosslinker.

Within the scope of this study, p(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-tetraacrylic cyclen) (p(HEMA-co-TACYC)) hydrogels were synthesized for the first time in the literature using a tetraacrylic cyclen (TACYC) as both functional monomer and crosslinker. The hydrogels designed especially for Cu2+ ions showed colorimetric sensor behavior selective for Cu2+ ions in all aqueous media (deionized, tap, river and sea water) and in metal ion mixtures. The p(HEMA-co-TACYC) hydrogels forming a stable complex with Cu2+ ions simultaneously showed properties of being a good adsorbent material. The hydrogels have reuse capacity as both sensor and adsorbent material. Changing the amount of TACYC in the hydrogel structure changes the maximum adsorption capacity for Cu2+ ions. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption constants for Cu2+ ion adsorption of the hydrogels, acting as selective adsorbent in all aqueous media and metal ion mixtures, were determined.