Synthesis and assessment of a novel ionic material for removing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with ultrasound

Abstract

A novel ionic material from thiophene and bromobutane was synthesized using ultrasound assistance as an alternative energy source. The optimal sonochemical reaction was carried out at 185 W, 20% duty cycle, 60 min in an ice bath. Its extractive capacities with chrysene model system in hexane were studied. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) extraction process, also assisted by ultrasound, was achieved just in 20 min, at 0 C (ice bath), at 10 s ??on? ? 20 s ??off? cycle and 90 W, and a ratio of thiophenium salt solution to sediments of 4:0.2 (ml/g). The buthylthiophenium salt was tested for PAHs extraction in sediment samples from the Bahía Blanca Estuary (BBE). Recoveries of 65% or higher were assessed by molecular fluorescence spectrometry.