Confining a spent lead sorbent in a polymer made by inverse vulcanization prevents leaching

The capture of heavy metal pollution in water is important for ensuring environmental and public health. In this study, a sorbent comprised of powdered activated carbon and a sustainable polysulfide polymer made by inverse vulcanization was used to remove lead from water. The dynamic S[sbnd]S bonds in the polysulfide polymer were then used to form a composite block by reactive compression molding: a process that confines the pollution and prevents leaching. Leaching was prevented when the composite was submerged in water for 1 week. The reactive compression molding technique is a simple method for preventing leaching during the transport and storage of spent sorbents.