SUPPORT BONDED POLYALKYLENE-POLYAMINE-POLY(CARBOXYLIC ACID) AND EXTRACTION OF METAL IONS THEREWITH

摘要

A method for the removal and concentration of desired ions from a source solution which may contain larger concentrations of other ions including H<+> comprises bringing the source solution into contact with a compound comprising a polyalkylene-polyamine-polycarboxylic acid-containing ligand covalently bonded through an organic spacer silicon grouping to a solid inorganic support. The polyalkylene-polyamine-polycarboxylic acid portion(s) of the compound has an affinity for the desired ions to form a complex thereby removing the desired ions from the source solution. The desired ions are removed from the compound by contacting the compound with a much smaller volume of a receiving solution having a greater affinity for the desired ions than does the polyalkylene-polyamine-polycarboxylic acid ligand portion of the compound. The concentrated ions thus removed may be recovered by known methods. The process is useful in removing desired or unwanted ions from copper electrolyte, nuclear waste streams, and other industrial or environmental streams. The invention is also drawn to the polyalkylene-polyamine-polycarboxylic acid-containing ligands covalently bonded through a spacer grouping to a hydrophilic inorganic solid support material.