Polyethylenimine (PEI), a high molecular weight cationic polymer widely used in water treatment and chemical processing, poses significant challenges in wastewater discharge due to its non-biodegradable nature and high nitrogen content.

At FirstMolecule, we recently supported a client in successfully removing residual PEI from industrial wastewater using our mesoporous coal-based activated carbon.

💡 Key Highlights: 

✔️ PEI removal efficiency >90% 

✔️ Optimized pH range: 5.5–6.5 

✔️ Contact time: 45 minutes 

✔️ Carbon type: FM AquaMeso 1000 

✔️ Surface area & pore structure tailored for high-MW organics

Why it worked: 

🔸 Macropore & mesopore dominance allowed large PEI molecules to diffuse effectively 

🔸 Surface acidic functional groups enhanced electrostatic adsorption 

🔸 Minimal fouling; carbon regeneration was feasible

🌍 Outcome: The client achieved regulatory compliance for nitrogen discharge and eliminated polymer interference in downstream treatment steps — sustainably and cost-effectively.

This case reaffirms the importance of selecting the right activated carbon based on the molecular characteristics of the target contaminant.

📩 Want to know if your process wastewater contains hard-to-remove polymers like PEI? Let's talk solutions.

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