General Description

2-Phenylimidazole is a chemical compound commonly used in wastewater treatment. 2-Phenylimidazole has found successful applications in the treatment of petrochemical wastewater and the removal of phosphorus from water bodies. Through a method called solvent-assisted ligand exchange, ZIF-8-PhIm was developed with enhanced adsorption properties, exhibiting higher capacity, size, and exposure of adsorption sites. 2-Phenylimidazole's role in these processes is to form a specific type of zeolitic imidazolate framework that helps to remove toxic pollutants from wastewater, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability and ecosystem protection. When considering safety, 2-Phenylimidazole is a stable solid with low volatility but must be handled with care. Overall, with proper safety measures in place, 2-Phenylimidazole can be safely used for wastewater treatment.

Figure 1. 2-Phenylimidazole

Applications in wastewater treatment

Removal of p-nitrophenol

2-Phenylimidazole has been successfully used in the removal of p-nitrophenol from petrochemical wastewater. The study utilized a method called solvent-assisted ligand exchange (SALE) to prepare ZIF-8-PhIm, a specific type of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF). The composition and structure of ZIF-8-PhIm were characterized using various techniques such as XRD, SEM, FT-IR, 1H NMR, XPS, and BET. Compared to other ZIF-8 materials, ZIF-8-PhIm demonstrated enhanced π-π interactions, resulting in a multi-stage pore structure with larger capacity and size. It also exhibited increased hydrophilicity and greater exposure of adsorption sites. These properties were instrumental in improving its adsorption effect on p-nitrophenol. Through static adsorption experiments, it was found that under optimized conditions (dose = 0.4 g/L, T = 298 K, C0 = 400 mg/L), ZIF-8-PhIm achieved an impressive adsorption capacity of 828.29 mg/g, surpassing that of ZIF-8 alone. The adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The dominant mechanisms for p-nitrophenol adsorption were identified as hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions. Furthermore, ZIF-8-PhIm displayed favorable regeneration properties, making it suitable for repeated usage. This research highlights the potential application of 2-Phenylimidazole, specifically in the development of effective adsorbents for the removal of toxic pollutants from petrochemical wastewater, contributing to environmental sustainability and ecosystem protection. ¹

Removal of phosphorus

2-Phenylimidazole has been successfully applied in the removal of phosphorus from water bodies, addressing the issue of eutrophication caused by increased phosphorus concentrations. In a study, a novel material called ZIF-8-PhIm was developed using the solvent-assisted ligand exchange method. Compared to the ZIF-8 material, ZIF-8-PhIm exhibited a multistage pore structure with larger capacity and size, increased hydrophilicity, more exposed adsorption sites, and stronger electrostatic interaction. Under optimized conditions, ZIF-8-PhIm demonstrated an impressive adsorption capacity of 162.93 mg/g, surpassing that of ZIF-8 (92.07 mg/g). The adsorption behavior of ZIF-8-PhIm was well described by the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, suggesting strong Zn-O-P bonding and electrostatic interactions as the main factors governing phosphate adsorption. The dynamic adsorption experiments revealed a saturation capacity of 85.69 mg/g and a half-penetration time of 514.15 min at 318 K. These findings highlight the potential of 2-Phenylimidazole and ZIF-8-PhIm in mitigating phosphorus pollution and promoting environmental sustainability in water ecosystems. ²

Safety

2-Phenylimidazole is a chemical compound commonly used in wastewater treatment. When considering its safety, it is important to adhere to proper handling procedures and precautions to minimize potential risks. In terms of physical hazards, 2-Phenylimidazole is a stable solid with a low volatility. It poses minimal risk of fire or explosion under normal conditions. However, it should be stored in a cool and dry place away from heat sources and incompatible substances. When handling this compound, it is crucial to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety goggles, and a lab coat to prevent skin contact and eye irritation. Inhalation should also be avoided, so working in a well-ventilated area or using respiratory protection is recommended. Overall, when handled and stored properly with appropriate safety precautions, the risks associated with 2-Phenylimidazole can be effectively minimized, ensuring a safe working environment. ³

Reference

1. Zhao Y, Yuan P, Xu X, Yang J. Removal of p-Nitrophenol by Adsorption with 2-Phenylimidazole-Modified ZIF-8. Molecules. 2023 May 19;28(10):4195.

2. Zhao Y, Yuan PQ, Xu XR, Yang J. Removal of Phosphate by Adsorption with 2-Phenylimidazole-Modified Porous ZIF-8: Powder and Chitosan Spheres. ACS Omega. 2023 Jul 25;8(31):28436-28447.

3. SAFETY DATA SHEETS: 2-phenylimidazole. Echemi, 2019.