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A mechanism for enhancing ionic accessibility into selective ion exchange resins

Journal Article · · Solvent Extraction and Ion Exchange
;  [1]; ;  [2]
  1. Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (United States). Dept. of Chemistry
  2. Argonne National Lab., IL (United States). Chemistry Div.

A bifunctional monophosphonic/sulfonic acid ion exchange resin with high capacity has been synthesized. Metal ion studies have been carried out with europium, americium, and ferric nitrate in solutions of varying acidity, with and without sodium nitrate added. The bifunctional resin complexes far higher levels of Eu(III) from 0.5 and 1 N nitric acid than the monofunctional phosphonic acid resin. It is postulated that the sulfonic acid ligand provides an access mechanism for the metal ions into the polymer matrix by hydrating the matrix and preventing its collapse in high ionic strength solutions thus allowing for rapid ionic complexation by the selective phosphonic acid ligands. The bifunctional monophosphonic/sulfonic acid resin has both ligands bound to a polystyrene support. It complexes higher levels of metal ions than a comparable resin differing only by having the monophosphonic acid ligand directly bound to the C-C backbone. Results are compared to a diphosphonic/sulfonic acid resin.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
OSTI ID:
346965
Journal Information:
Solvent Extraction and Ion Exchange, Journal Name: Solvent Extraction and Ion Exchange Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 16; ISSN 0736-6299; ISSN SEIEDB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English