Crosslinking approaches for Polyethylene Imine (PEI) and Its Uses in Adsorption of HeavyMetals, Dyes, and Carbon Dioxide

Chandra, Ashika and Singh, Ashneel A. and Prasad, Surendra and Andersson, Mats R. and Gedefaw, Desta (2025) Crosslinking approaches for Polyethylene Imine (PEI) and Its Uses in Adsorption of HeavyMetals, Dyes, and Carbon Dioxide. Applied Sciences, 15 (9). NA. ISSN 2076-3417

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Abstract

Polyethylene imine (PEI) is a synthetic water-soluble and nitrogen-rich polymer with an ethylene amine repeating unit. It exists in a linear or branched forms and finds
applications in various areas. PEI is often chemically modified by crosslinking reactions using molecular and polymeric crosslinkers (e.g., trichlorotriazine, epichlorohydrin, ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether, etc.) to increase its stability and reduce its water solubility. PEI (pristine/crosslinked) has a strong affinity for metal
cations (e.g., Cu2+, Au3+, Pb2+, etc.), where the nitrogen atoms interact with the metal ions, and hence is suitable to remove metals from water with high efficiency. A thin film of crosslinked PEI on substrates can be prepared and finds diverse applications such as in removing metals and dyes, and biofouling prevention in the marine environment. The
copper ion, as an example, can be stored (adsorbed) in a thin film of crosslinked PEI on a carbon cloth substrate, which can be released to water by passing an electric current through the film or with an acid treatment. It has also been reported that crosslinked PEI and composite materials can be used for the adsorption of dyes and gases such as CO2 and SO2 from the environment. The performance of pristine/composite/crosslinked PEI in gas, metal ion, and dye adsorption is affected by several factors. The focus of this review is to discuss the different reactions used to crosslink PEI and review the properties of the
crosslinked materials and their applications. Studies have shown that the properties of the crosslinked PEI and hence its success in capturing metal ions, dyes, and CO2 is dependent not only on the type of crosslinker but also on the degree of crosslinking.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	polyethylene imine; crosslinking reactions; heavy metal adsorption; dye adsorption; CO2 capture; biofouling
Subjects:	T Technology > TP Chemical technology
Divisions:	School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS)
Depositing User:	Ashneel Singh
Date Deposited:	06 Oct 2025 03:47
Last Modified:	06 Oct 2025 03:47
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/15092

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