Abstract

In this work, lignin was modified to obtain sulfonated methacrylated lignin (LMS). Together with itaconic acid (AITC), polymeric hydrogels were obtained, characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis, and evaluated in water swelling and Cu (II) adsorption. The AITC/LMS materials were obtained by free radical polymerization and behave as hydrogels, swelling up to 300 % their mass in the presence of water. These AITC/LMS polymers can capture Cu (II) ions through both electrostatic attractions and chemisorption according to the PFO, PSO and IPD kinetic models. Also, the Cu (II) sorption followed the Langmuir isotherm model, with qmax of 67 mg/g, showing the effectiveness of employing these AITC/LMS copolymers for Cu (II) removal from water, underscoring its potential as an eco-friendly and efficient material in addressing the challenges associated with heavy metal presence in water systems. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd