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Title: H[subscript 2x]Mn[subscript x]Sn[subscript 3-x]S[subscript 6] (x = 0.11-0.25): A Novel Reusable Sorbent for Highly Specific Mercury Capture Under Extreme pH Conditions

Journal Article · · Adv. Funct. Mater.

The H{sub 2x}Mn{sub x}Sn{sub 3-x}S{sub 6} (x = 0.11-0.25) is a new solid acid with a layered hydrogen metal sulfide (LHMS). It derives from K{sub 2x}Mn{sub x}Sn{sub 3-x}S{sub 6} (x = 0.5-0.95) (KMS-1) upon treating it with highly acidic solutions. We demonstrate that LHMS-1 has enormous affinity for the very soft metal ions such as Hg{sup 2+} and Ag{sup +} which occurs via a rapid ion exchange process. The tremendous affinity of LHMS-1 for Hg{sup 2+} is reflected in very high distribution coefficient K{sub d}{sup Hg} values (>10{sup 6} mL g{sup -1}). The large affinity and selectivity of LHMS-1 for Hg{sup 2+} persists in a very wide pH range (from less than zero to nine) and even in the presence of highly concentrated HCl and HNO{sub 3} acids. LHMS-1 is significantly more selective for Hg{sup 2+} and Ag{sup +} than for the less soft cations Pb{sup 2+} and Cd{sup 2+}. The Hg{sup 2+} ions are immobilized in octahedral sites between the sulfide layers of the materials via Hg-S bonds as suggested by pair distribution function (PDF) analysis. LHMS-1 could decrease trace concentrations of Hg{sup 2+} (e.g. <100 ppb) to well below the acceptable limits for the drinking water in less than two min. Hg-laden LHMS-1 shows a remarkable hydrothermal stability and resistance in 6 M HCl solutions. LHMS-1 could be regenerated by treating Hg-loaded samples with 12 M HCl and re-used without loss of its initial exchange capacity.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
1005467
Journal Information:
Adv. Funct. Mater., Vol. 19, Issue (7) ; 02, 2009; ISSN 1616-301X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
ENGLISH