High Adsorption Capacity of an sp2/sp3-N-Rich Polymeric Network: From Molecular Iodine Capture to Catalysis

Removal of volatile radioiodine from air and wastewater streams using porous materials is imperative to curb its long-term adverse effects on the environment. Herein, we report the development of a hydrogel system (PEIG) using polyethylenimine and glutaraldehyde followed by production of xerogel (PEIXG). PEIXG effectively captured iodine in its vapor form with an excellent adsorption capacity of 2.9 g/g. Additionally, PEIXG efficaciously removed dissolved iodine from water and nonpolar solvent. Moreover, the reversible nature of the uptake enabled good recyclability and utilization of I2–PEIXG as a catalyst for the synthesis of an important class of functional heterocycle, 2-aminobenzothiazoles.