Potentiality of temperature-swing adsorption for removal of hydrophobic contaminants in water

Temperature-sensitive poly (vinylmetylether) gel (PVMEG) reversibly changes its surface property from hydrophilic to hydrophobic and vice versa in response to a temperature change across the phase transition temperature. The adsorbed amount of nonionic surfactant, one of the most serious contaminants in aqueous stream, on PVMEG was comparable to that on a commercial adsorbent Amberlite XAD-2. Desorption of the surfactant from PVMEG was carried out only by shifting temperature within a few degrees. Successive adsorption and desorption was possible by a temperature swing without any decrease in the adsorption capacity. High potentiality of temperature-swing adsorption process with PVMEG was demonstrated.