Preparation of a poly-alkylamine surface-functionalized carbon with excellent performance as a Pd(II) scavenger

A stable, extensive amine functionalization was introduced on the surface of an activated carbon (AC) through very effective grafting of a polyethyleneimine layer onto the AC surface. The procedures used are simple, sustainable and easily scalable. Among the large variety of possible applications that the polyamine functionality confers to the AC, its outstanding properties as Pd(II) adsorbent are here presented.