Properties and application of poly(acrylphenylamidrazone‐phenylhydrazide) chelating fiber for enrichment–separation of trace gold and ruthenium from solution samples

An ICP‐OES method using a new poly(acrylphenylamidrazone‐phenylhydrazide) chelating fiber to enrich and separate trace Au(III) and Ru(III) ions from solution samples is established. The results show that 50–500 ng/mL of Au or Ru ions can be enriched quantitatively by 0.1 g of the fiber at pH 4, with recoveries > 96%. The ions can be desorbed quantitatively with 10 mL of 4 M HCl and 3.0% CS(NH₂)₂ solution from the fiber column, with recoveries > 97%, and 200–1000‐fold excesses of Cu(II), Zn(II), Ca(II), Mg(II), Mn(II), Cr(III), Fe(III), Ba(II), and Al(III) caused little interference in the determination of these ions by ICP–OES. The chelating fiber can be reused eight times, and the recoveries are all > 95%. The relative standard deviations for enrichment and determination of 50 ng/mL of Au and Ru are in the range 1.8–1.9% (1.9% for Au and 1.8% for Ru). The recoveries of trace Au and Ru ions added to real waste water and alloy samples are 96–98%. The concentration of each ion found in the alloy samples was in good agreement with that provided by the plant. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 2656–2660, 2001     

Synthesis of chelate resins derived from furfural and their adsorption properties for metal ions

A series of new chelate resins were synthesized by ring‐opening polycondensation of the reaction mixture of furfural with diethanolamine, using sulfuric acid as a catalyst, and the resulting chelate resins were employed in the adsorption for metal ions Bi, In, Sn, V, Ga, Y, Ti, and Pb. The composition, structure, and properties of the resulting chelate resin were studied by means of fourier transform infrared (FTIR), electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum (EPR), and elemental analysis methods. Meanwhile, the adsorption properties of the resulting chelate resins for the above metal ions were investigated by inductively‐coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES) procedures. The results show that the resulting chelate resins hold the structure consisting of hydroxyl groups, amine groups, and conjugated π bonds, as well as more crosslinkages, and so they exhibit a good reactivity and chemical stability. The adsorption experiments show that the chelate resins could well adsorb V, Ga, Y, Ti, and Pb in a wider acidity range and exhibit a good adsorption selectivity. Particularly, the chelate resins could adsorb and desorb for Pb, Bi, In, V, Y, and Ti, quantitatively, in the given conditions. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1620–1626, 2006     

Elution Behavior of Metal Ions with Mixed Glycine-Nitric Acid Eluents in Dowex 50W-X8 Column: Separation of Th(IV), Ce(IV), Bi(III), Fe(III), and Al(III)

Abstract

Distribution coefficients (K) determined by the batch technique in acidic glycine media using Dowex 50W-X8 cation exchanger (H⁺?form, 100–200 mesh size) revealed that this medium can effectively be employed to separate a number of tetravalent and trivalent metal ions from bivalent metal ions. In fixed glycine (0.40 M) and varying concentration of nitric acid (0.10 to 1.0 M), a number of mixtures containing two or three metal ions were resolved on columns using about 8 g of exchanger. In 0.40 M glycine-1.0 M HNO₃ medium, Th(IV)/Ce(IV) were separated from Al(III)/Fe(III)/Bi(III)/Co(II)/Ni(II)/Cu(II)/Zn(II)/Cd(II)/Hg(II)/Pb(II)/Ag(I) and also Al(III)/Bi(III) from a number of divalent metal ions. In 0.40 M glycine-0.50 M HNO₃ medium, the resolution of following ternary mixtures were also achieved: Th(IV)/Ce(IV)-Al(III)/Bi(III)-Fe(III)/Co(II)/Ni(II)/Cu(II)/Zn(II)/Cd(II)/Hg(II)/Pb(II)/Ag(I). Th(IV)/Al(III)/Fe(III)/Bi(III) were also separated from other divalent metal ions in 1.60 M glycine-0.50 M HNO₃ medium. The values of K, elution characteristics of metal ions, elution curves, and the results of the resolution of a number of mixtures of metal ions along with standard deviations are reported.     

Selective separation and concentration of Pd(II) from Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) ions using thiourea‐formaldehyde resin

Thiourea‐formaldehyde (TUF), a well‐known chelating resin, has been synthesized and it was used in the adsorption, selective separation, and concentration of Pd(II) ions from Fe(III), Co(II) Ni(II), and Cu(II) base metal ions. The composition of the synthesized resin was determined by elemental analysis. The effect of initial acidity/pH and the adsorption capacity for Pd(II) ions were studied by batch technique. The adsorption and separation of Pd(II) were then examined by column technique. FTIR spectra and SEM/EDS analysis were also recorded before and after the adsorption of Pd(II). The optimum pH was found to be 4 for the adsorption. The adsorption data fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity of the TUF resin for Pd(II) ions was found to be 31.85 mg g⁻¹ (0.300 mmol g⁻¹). Chelating mechanism was effective in the adsorption. Pd(II) ions could be separated efficiently from Fe(III), Cu(II), Ni(II), and Co(II) ions using TUF resin. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Selective Separation of Uranium using Alizarin Red S (ARS)-Modified Anion-Exchange Resin or by Flotation of U-ARS Chelate

ABSTRACT

An alizarin red S (ARS)-modified anion-exchange resin was prepared by a simple reaction of ARS with the anion exchanger Doulite A101 and used for the efficient sorption of uranium from aqueous media. The effect of various parameters on the sorption of U(VI) (pH effect, sorption kinetics, resin capacity and breakthrough curves) was investigated. The modified resin sorbs U(VI) over a wide range of pH (2·8–5) with a maximum sorption capacity of 0·68 mmol.g^?1 at pH 3·2 to 4·0. Iron (III), Zr(IV), Ti(IV), Cu(II), and Th(IV) ions are also sorbed to different extents, but Be(II), Bi(III), Ca(II), Mg(II), Pb(II), Hg(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), AI(III), Mn(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) are not sorbed; thus, conditions for separating U(VI) from these metal ions have been identified. For eluting U(VI) from the resin, 0·2 mol.L^?1 HCl was used and the recovery recorded was as high as 99.9%. The use of ARS is extended to float uranium quantitatively and selectively from aqueous media at pH = 4 by using oleic acid as a surfactant. The different parameters affecting the flotation process have also been investigated. Uranium(VI) has been effectively separated from natural water samples and certified uranium ores using both procedures.     

High‐retention properties for Hg(II) ions of a resin containing ammonium and pyridine groups

The metal‐ion uptake behavior of the chelating resin poly([(3‐(methacryloylamino)propyl] trimethyl ammonium chloride‐co‐4‐vinyl pyridine) has been investigated. The resin is obtained by radical copolymerization in a yield of 99.6%. The hydrophilic resin shows a high retention capacity and selectivity toward Hg(II) ions in the presence of Cu(II), Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), and Cr(III) ions. A retention of Hg(II) higher than 99% is observed after 5 min. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 2595–2599, 2002     

Poly (styrene sulfonamides) with EDTA‐like chelating groups for removal of transition metal ions

Chlorosulfonated styrene–divinyl benzene (10%) resin beads (420–590 μm), when treated with an excess of triethylene tetramine (TETA), give a corresponding polymeric sulfonamide with three amine functions. The free amine functions of the resin were carboxymethylated almost quantitatively by reacting with 20% excess of potassium chloroacetate in aqueous solution. The resulting resin with iminoacetic acid functions showed rapid chelating abilities for transition metal ions such as Zn (II), Cd (II), Cu (II), Ni (II), Co (II), and Fe (III) ions. At the neutral pHs the chelating resin was able to reduce the metal ion concentrations lower than 1 ppm in about 15 min of the contacting time. Interestingly, when the resin was used in sodium form, metal binding capacities were higher than the theoretical capacity (1.66 mmol · g⁻¹), due to simultaneous precipitation of the transition metal hydroxides on bead particles. The resin samples loaded with metal ions can be regenerated more than 10 times by simple acid‐base treatments, without activity loss. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 77: 2749–2755, 2000     

Removal of Cu(II), Fe(III), and Cr(III) from Aqueous Solution by Aniline Grafted Silica Gel

Abstract

The aniline moiety was covalently grafted onto silica gel surface. The modified silica gel with aniline groups (SiAn) was used for removal of Cu(II), Fe(III), and Cr(III) ions from aqueous solution and industrial effluents using a batch adsorption procedure. The maximum adsorption of the transition metal ions took place at pH 4.5. The adsorption kinetics for all the adsorbates fitted better the pseudo second‐order kinetic model, obtaining the following adsorption rate constants (k₂): 1.233 · 10^?2, 1.902 · 10^?2, and 8.320 · 10^?3 g · mg^?1 min^?1 for Cr(III), Cu(II), and Fe(III), respectively. The adsorption of these transition metal ions were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, Sips, and Redlich‐Peterson isotherm models; however, the best isotherm model fitting which presented a lower difference of the q (amount adsorbed per gram of adsorbent) calculated by the model from the experimentally measured, was achieved by using the Sips model for all adsorbates chosen. The SiAn adsorbent was also employed for the removal of the transition metal ions Cr(III) (95%), Cu(II) (95%), and Fe(III) (94%) from industrial effluents, using the batch adsorption procedure.     

Synthesis and characterization of antibacterial polychelates of urea–formaldehyde resin with Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) metal ions

We studied the reaction between urea and formaldehyde with the purpose of preparing new polychelates of Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) metal ions. These compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, ¹H‐NMR, electronic spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and molar conductance measurements. The percentage of metal in all of the polychelates was found to be consistent with 1:1.5 (metal/ligand) stoichiometry. The thermal behaviors of these coordination polymers were studied by TGA in a nitrogen atmosphere up to 750°C. The TGA results reveal that the complexes had higher thermal‐resistance properties compared to the common urea–formaldehyde resin. The molar conductivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements of the synthesized polychelates confirmed the geometry of the complexes. The antibacterial activity of the polychelates was also investigated with agar diffusion methods. The antibacterial activity of these polychelates was found to be reasonably good compared with standard drugs, namely, ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, and kanamycin. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 928–936, 2006     

Adsorption of Cr(III), Ni(II), Zn(II), Co(II) ions onto phenolated wood resin

In this study, phenolated wood resin was used an adsorbent for the removal of Cr(III), Ni(II), Zn(II), Co(II) ions by adsorption from aqueous solution. The adsorption of metal ions from solution was carried at different contact times, concentrations and pHs at room temperature (25°C). For individual metal ion, the amount of metal ions adsorbed per unit weight of phenolated wood resin at equilibrium time increased with increasing concentration and pH. Also, when the amounts of metal ions adsorbed are compared to each other, it was seen that this increase was order of Cr(III) > Ni(II) > Zn(II) > Co(II). This increase was order of Cr(III) > Ni(II) > Co(II) > Zn(II) for commercial phenol–formaldehyde resin. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption process obeyed the intraparticle diffusion model. It was also determined that adsorption isotherm followed Langmuir and Freundlich models. Adsorption isotherm obtained for commercial phenol–formaldehyde resin was consistent with Freundlich model well. Adsorption capacities from Langmuir isotherm for commercial phenol–formaldehyde resin were higher than those of phenolated wood resin, in the case of individual metal ions. Original adsorption isotherm demonstrated the monolayer coverage of the surface of phenolated wood resin. Adsorption kinetic followed the intraparticle diffusion model. The positive values of ΔG° determined using the equilibrium constants showed that the adsorption was not of spontaneous nature. It was seen that values of distribution coefficient (K_D) decreasing with metal ion concentration in solution at equilibrium (C_e) indicated that the occupation of active surface sites of adsorbent increased with metal ions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 2838–2846, 2006     

Syntheses and characterization of polystyrene‐supported 2,5‐dimercapto‐1,3,4‐thiodiazole and its sorption behavior for Pd(II), Pt(IV), and Au(III)

A type of chelating resin crosslinking polystyrene‐supported 2,5‐dimercapto‐1,3,4‐thiodiazole (also called bismuththiol I, BMT), containing sulfur and nitrogen atoms, was prepared. The structure of PS‐BMT was confirmed by FTIR, elemental analysis, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Adsorption of Pd(II), Pt(IV), and Au(III) was investigated. The capacity of PS‐BMT to adsorb Pd(II) and Pt(IV) was 0.190 and 0.033 mmol/g, respectively. The adsorption dynamics of Pd(II) showed that adsorption was controlled by liquid film diffusion and that the apparent activation energy, E_a, was 32.67 kJ/mol. The Langmuir model was better than the Freundlich model in describing the isothermal process of Pd(II), and the ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS values calculated were ?0.33 kJ/mol, 26.29 kJ/mol, and 87.95 J mol^?1 K^?1, respectively. The mechanisms of adsorption of Pd(II), Pt(IV), and Au(III) were confirmed by XPS. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 631–637, 2006     

Three-liquid-phase extraction and separation of V(V) and Cr(VI) from acidic leach solutions of high-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite

A new method by liquid–liquid–liquid three phase system, consisting of acidified primary amine N1923(abbreviated as A-N1923), poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG) and (NH_4)_2SO_4 aqueous solution, was suggested for the separation and simultaneous extraction of V(V) and Cr(VI) from the acidic leach solutions of highchromium vanadium–titanium magnetite. Experimental results indicated that V(V) and Cr(VI) could be selectively enriched into the A-N1923 organic top phase and PEG-rich middle phase, respectively, while Al(III)and other co-existing impurity ions, such as Si(IV), Fe(III), Ti(IV), Mg(II) and Ca(II) in acidic leach solutions,could be enriched in the(NH_4)_2SO_4 bottom aqueous phase. During the process for extraction and separation of V(V) and Cr(VI), almost all of impurity ions could be removed. The separation factors between V(V) and Cr(VI) could reach 630 and 908, respectively in the organic top phase and PEG middle phase, and yields of recovered V(V) and Cr(VI) in the top phase and middle phase respectively were all above 90%.Various effects including aqueous p H, A-N1923 concentration, PEG added amount and(NH_4)_2SO_4 concentration on three-phase partitioning of V(V) and Cr(VI) were discussed. It was found that the partition of Cr(VI) into the PEG-rich middle phase was driven by hydrophobic interaction, while extraction of V(V) by A-N1923 resulted of anion exchange between NO_3~- and H_2V_(10)O_(28)~(-4). Stripping of V(V) and Cr(VI) from the top organic phase and the middle PEG-rich phase were achieved by mixing respectively with NaNO_3 aqueous solutions and Na OH-((NH_4)_2SO_4 solutions. The present work highlights a new approach for the extraction and purification of V and Cr from the complex multi-metal co-existing acidic leach solutions of high-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite.     

Synthesis and analytical application of a chelating resin based on a crosslinked styrene/maleic acid copolymer for the extraction of trace‐metal ions

A new chelating polymer sorbent was synthesized through the copolymerization of styrene and maleic anhydride in the presence of divinyl benzene as the crosslinking agent, followed by hydrolysis. This polymeric resin, bearing O donor groups, had the advantage of being stable in basic and saline media, unlike its linear analogue. This newly developed chelating matrix has a high resin capacity for metal ions such as Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, and Pb. Various physicochemical parameters, such as the pH, volume, and flow rate, and the interference effect on metal uptake were studied. The sorption capacities of the crosslinked resin for Cr(III), Fe(III), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Pb(II) were 10.2, 14.3, 14.2, 15.4, and 8.8 mg/g, respectively. A high recovery of 98% was obtained for all the metal ions with 2N HCl as the eluting agent. The chelating resin was characterized by swelling studies, Fourier transform infrared, elemental analysis, X‐ray studies, and thermal analysis. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms were used to validate the metal‐uptake data. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1771–1779, 2004     

UPTAKE OF METAL IONS BY A NEW CHELATING ION-EXCHANGE RESIN. PART 4 : KINETICS

Abstract

The rate of uptake of several actinide ions [Am(III), U(VI), Th(IV), Np(IV) and Pu(IV)] and of some transition-metal ions [Co(II), Zn(II), Fe(III) and Cr(III)] at tracer concentration level, from solutions of various compositions, by the new chelating ion-exchange resin, Diphonix^Tm, has been investigated. Diphonix is a polyfunctional resin containing sulfonic and gem-diphosphonic acid groups chemically bonded in a styrene-divinylbenzene polymeric network. It binds actinide and other ions through the formation of chelate complexes with the phosphoryl groups of the gem-diphosphonic acids. The experiments discussed in this work have allowed us to establish the paramount importance of the presence of the sulfonic groups in obtaining practically useful rates of metal ions uptake. Comparison of the kinetic behavior of Diphonix with that of commercial sulfonic-type resins has shown that Diphonix reacts with the investigated ions as rapidly as do the other resins. Conditions for efficient and rapid stripping of all the investigated cations, including Cr(III), have been found.     

Preconcentration and Determination of Copper in Aqueous Solution with Epoxy Resin‐based Monolithic Column Containing Large Interconnected Pores

Abstract

A novel monolithic column containing large interconnected pores was simply prepared from epoxy resin and triethylenetetramine (TETA) and pore‐forming reagent (polyethylene glycol, PEG‐1000) by in‐situ polymerization. PEG‐1000 was both solvent at the initial stage and phase‐separation reagent at the later stage of polymerization reaction. Its structure was characterized by Fourier transform‐infrared spectra (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The results showed that the pore characteristics of monoliths depended strongly on the amount of PEG‐1000. A column method has been established for the preconcentration and determination of copper(II) combined with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐AES), using a simple glass‐tipped tube. The adsorption‐desorption characteristics of the monoliths for Cu(II) in aqueous solution were investigated in detail. The ion concentrations in batch adsorption experiments were determined by ICP‐AES. Copper ions could form complexes with the amino groups of the monoliths, and be quantitatively retained in the pH ranges of 5.0–9.0. The uploaded column was eluted by 1.0 mol L^?1 HNO₃ and recovery of Cu(II) was more than 97%.     

Solvent extraction separation of titanium(IV), vanadium(V) and iron(III) from simulated waste chloride liquors of titanium minerals processing industry by the trialkylphosphine oxide Cyanex 923

The solvent extraction of magnesium(II), aluminium(III), titanium(IV), vanadium(V), chromium(III), manganese(II) and iron(III) from hydrochloric acid solutions has been investigated using the trialkylphosphine oxide Cyanex 923 (TRPO) in kerosene as extractant. The results demonstrate that titanium(IV), vanadium(V) and iron(III) are extracted into kerosene as TiOCl₂·2TRPO, VO₂Cl·TRPO and HFeCl₄·2TRPO, respectively. On the other hand magnesium(II), aluminium(III), chromium(III) and manganese(II) are not extracted with TRPO from hydrochloric acid solutions (1.0–4.0 mol dm^?3) under the experimental conditions. IR spectral studies of the extracted complexes were further used to clarify the nature of the extracted complexes. The effect of the diluent on the extraction of titanium(IV), vanadium(V) and iron(III) has been studied and correlated with the dielectric constant. The loading capacity of the TRPO system has been evaluated and the potential for the separation and recovery of titanium(IV), vanadium(V) and iron(III) from simulated waste chloride liquors of the titanium minerals processing industry has been assessed. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Removal of Heavy Metal Ions using New Chelating Material Containing N,O, and S Donor Sites

Abstract

A new chelating material (AT‐PHE‐HCHO) was synthesized by reacting 2‐aminothiazole‐phenol (AT‐PHE) azodye and formaldehyde (HCHO) in an alkaline medium. The materials were characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR and ¹H‐NMR spectroscopic studies. The chelating material was used for the adsorption of Cu(II), Zn(II), Mn(II), and Cr(III) from dilute aqueous solutions with variation of adsorption parameters. The adsorption was described quantitatively by fitting the equilibrium data to the Freundlich isotherm. The thermodynamic parameters ΔS and ΔH were calculated to be 86.02 J mol^?1 K^?1 and ?126.9 KJ mol^?1, respectively. The metal adsorption followed the sequence Cu(II)>Zn(II)～Cr(III)>Mn(II). The material was used for the removal of metal ions from synthetic as well as real samples.     

Separation of gold(III) ions from copper(II) and zinc(II) ions using thiourea–formaldehyde or urea–formaldehyde chelating resins

Thiourea–formaldehyde (TF) and urea–formaldehyde (UF) chelating resins were synthesized and these resins were used in the separation of gold(III) ions from copper(II) and zinc(II) base metal ions. In the experimental studies, the effect of acidity on gold(III) uptake and gold(III) adsorption capacities by batch method, and loading and elution profiles of gold(III) ions, gold(III), copper(II), and zinc(II), dynamic adsorption capacities and the stability tests of TF and UF resins by column method were examined. By batch method, the optimum acidities were found as pH 2 and 0.5M HCl, and gold(III) adsorption capacities in the solutions including copper(II) and zinc(II) ions were obtained as 0.088 and 0.151 meq Au(III)/g for UF and TF resins, respectively. On the other hand, by column method, the dynamic adsorption capacities were calculated as 0.109 meq Au(III)/g with TF, 0.023 meq Au(III)/g with UF, 0.015 meq Cu(II)/g with TF, 0.0057 meq Cu(II)/g with UF, and under 6.1 × 10^?5 meq Zn(II)/g with TF or UF. TF resin was more effective in the separation and the concentration of gold(III) ions from copper(II) and zinc(II) ions than UF resin. It was seen that sulfur atoms contributed the gold(III) adsorption comparing with oxygen atoms. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

The Effect of Degree of Impregnation in Amberlite Resins with Organophosphorous Extractants for Y(III), La(III), Ce(III), Th(IV) and U(VI) Ions

Abstract

Background: The sorption of Y(III), La(III), Ce(III), U(VI) and Th(IV) ions with solvent impregnated resins using diphenylphosphate (DPP), and diphenylphosphinic acid (DPPA) as extractant and Amberlite XAD 16 and Amberlite XAD 2000 as a polymeric support has been studied. The impregnated resins containing various amounts of extractants (10/90, 20/80, 50/50, 60/40) have been prepared by a dry method. The effects of pH, types of extractant, extractant content, surface area of polymeric support and contact time have been investigated by batch method.

Results: The impregnation for DPP on XAD‐16 and XAD‐2000 was 111 and 46% at 60/40 extractant/resin mass ratio, respectively. The impregnation of DPPA at all ratios on both resins was found constant and lower than DPP. The sorption percentage of studied metal ions was within 90‐99% for DPP and DPPA on both resins after 20/80 extractant/resin mass ratio.

Conclusions: The sorption of DPP on Amberlite XAD 16 and XAD 2000 resins is rather more than DPPA. It could be seen that 20/80 extractant/resin mass ratio is generally adequate for single metal analysis where 60/40 could be suitable for multi‐metal analysis.     

Preparation,characterization, and behavior of cellulose–titanium(IV) oxide modified with organosilicone

Cellulose–titanium(IV) oxide modified with organosilicone (CTSN) was prepared by a reaction of cellulose powder with titanic chloride, followed by a reaction with 4‐aza‐6‐aminohexyl triethoxysilane, and was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis. An SEM image of titanium(IV) oxide‐coated cellulose and a Ti mapping image showed that titanium oxide was well dispersed on the cellulose surface. Titanium and silicon mapping images of CTSN, obtained with SEM, indicated that both oxides were uniformly dispersed on the cellulose surface. The atomic ratio of Ti to Si was obtained with X‐ray energy spectral composition analysis. The adsorption behavior of CTSN toward Hg(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), Fe(III), and Cr(III) ions in aqueous solutions was determined. The adsorption behavior of CTSN toward human serum protein was preliminarily examined. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 84: 61–66, 2002; DOI 10.1002/app.10188