The effects of cross-linking type and density on some morphological aspects of sulfonated cross-linked poly (ether ether ketone)/ nano manganese dioxide composites

Nano manganese dioxide (NMO) has conquered many important research and application areas but its widespread utilization in adsorption is progressively impacted by the difficulties encountered in solid–liquid separation. Hence, fabrication of polymer/NMO composites has been suggested. This paper devoted to investigate the effects of polymer matrix on the structural and morphological characteristics of polymer/NMO composites using sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) having a variety of structures and surface properties as templates. Three distinct types of NMO morphologies were observed namely, nano particle, flower like and rod like nano structures, while metallic Mn was precipitated in other samples. The adsorption capacities decreased from 10 mg g −1 to zero with increasing the IEC of composite based on helium irradiated SPEEK/NMO. Similarly, the adsorption capacities decreased from 16 mg g −1 to zero of composite based on proton irradiated SPEEK/NMO. These were accompanied with the disappearance of the flower like nano structure of NMO in the composite. The structure and morphology of loaded NMO is sensitive to the structure and surface properties of the polymers and this could explain the difference in adsorption properties of polymer/NMO composites, and help in the design of selective adsorbents. • Polymer matrix effects on the morphology of polymer/NMO composites were investigated. • Nano particle, flower like and rod like nano NMO structures were observed. • The morphology of loaded NMO was sensitive to the surface properties of the polymers. • The flower like nano structures of NMO was favourable for adsorption of Pb 2+ ions. • It is suggested to optimize the morphology of composite for maximum adsorption performance.