Soluble Polychelatogenes for Separation of Actinide Ions by Membrane Filtration

Separation of metal ions by functionalized soluble polymers using membrane filtration has been investigated. Actinide elements and members from the transition groups and rare earth elements have been bound to polymeric chelatogenes as a function of pH. Sixteen different polymers and derivatives based on poly(ethylenimine), poly(vinylalcohol), poly(urethane), and poly(acrylic acid) have been studied in terms of their capacity and selectivity. Binding studies and cleavage experiments have been carried out by application of membrane filtration for several metals and polychetatogenes. Finally, the stability of polymers and membranes has been studied and found to be sufficient for selective separation of actinide ions.