Surface‐Functionalized Polymer Nanoparticles for Selective Sequestering of Heavy Metals

Xanthate-mediated (reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer) emulsion polymerization has been used to create novel polystyrene nanoparticles with functionalized surfaces (see Figure) for the selective sequestering of heavy metals from water below ppm levels. These nanoparticles show a high degree of selectivity for HgII over CoII. This technology has potential for the selective remediation of heavy metals from the human blood system. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2089/2006/c1712_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.