Facile synthesis of a novel anthracene-based hyper-crosslinked polymer network for arsenic detoxification in industrial effluents

This research work introduces a novel hyper-crosslinked polymer (HCP-A), synthesized via the Friedel-Crafts alkylation method employing anthracene as the monomer and FeCl3 as the catalyst. This approach enables precise crosslinking control and facilitates structural stability, leveraging anthracene’s aromatic reactivity and FeCl3′s catalytic efficiency in electrophilic substitution reactions. HCP-A contains Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area 282.85 (±12) m2/g and a maximum pore volume at P/Po is 0.011486 (±0.001) cm³/g. It demonstrated a maximum Ar3+ adsorption of 92.2% (±3.5) in lab-prepared wastewater and 86.5% (± 2.8) in actual industrial wastewater, attributed to synergistic associations like π–π stacking, ion exchange, electrostatic forces, diffusion, and physical trapping. Optimal conditions for arsenic removal were pH 5.0 (±0.2), 32 (±2) minutes contact time, and 2.0 (±0.04) gram adsorbent dose. The competency of adsorbing substances for arsenic metal ions was determined to be 182.1142 (±6.8) mg/g under ideal conditions. The isoelectric point (PZC) was established at 6.0 (±0.25) pH using the salt addition method. Freundlich isotherm model best described adsorption isotherms data, which exhibited an R2 value of 0.9765 (±0.01), while adsorption kinetics followed pseudo 2nd order model, demonstrating an efficient adjustment with an R2 value of 0. 99928 (±0.01). Thermodynamic analysis revealed a non-spontaneous and exothermic process with ΔG = −10.08 (±0.1) kJ/mol, ΔH = −0.17991 (±0.01) kJ/mol, and ΔS = 0.030183 (±0.001) J/mol·K. HCP-A shows potential for water purification, retaining its ability to adsorb contaminants even after being reused five times. HCP-A made via Friedel–Crafts alkylation for arsenic removal.High surface area and micropores boost adsorption.92.2% (±3.5) arsenic removal at pH 5.0 (±0.2), 22 °C (±0.8), 32 minutes (±.2), 2 (±0.04) gram dose.Adsorption capacity: 182.12 (±6.8) mg/g, surpassing many adsorbents.Excellent reusability with minimal capacity loss.Suitable for industrial-scale arsenic wastewater treatment. HCP-A made via Friedel–Crafts alkylation for arsenic removal. High surface area and micropores boost adsorption. 92.2% (±3.5) arsenic removal at pH 5.0 (±0.2), 22 °C (±0.8), 32 minutes (±.2), 2 (±0.04) gram dose. Adsorption capacity: 182.12 (±6.8) mg/g, surpassing many adsorbents. Excellent reusability with minimal capacity loss. Suitable for industrial-scale arsenic wastewater treatment.