Novel Bifunctional Resins in Metal Ion Separations: Ion Exchange/Coordination Resins and Ion Exchange/Precipitation Resins

Abstract

Dual mechanism bifunctional polymers (DMBP's) as metal ion extractants are described within the context of two new examples. The carboxylic acid/pseudocrown resin is a new example of the DMBP class of resins described as ion exchange/ coordination resins. The polyethylene glycol ligand within the resin functions as a coordinating site for metal ions which are brought into the resin via ion exchange with the acid ligand. Initial studies with alkali metal ions are presented. The third general class of DMBP's is also presented. In this case, precipitation is the reaction occurring along with ion exchange thus yielding the ion exchange/precipitation resins. Barium recovery from aqueous solution via barium sulfate precipitation is described.