Abstract
The aim of the presented research was to investigate the mechanism of sorption of Cu(II) ions on the commercially available Purolite S 940 and Purolite S 950 chelating ion exchangers with the aminophosphonic functional groups. In order to understand better the sorption mechanism, the beads were cut with an ultramicrotome before and after the Cu(II) ion sorption process. The cut beads were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with an EDX detector. The performed linear profiles of the elemental composition allowed us to examine the depth with which the sorbed metal penetrates into. For further investigations concerning the mechanism of the sorption process, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis using the attenuated total reflectance (ATR) technique and the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) methods have been used. The comparison of FTIR and XPS spectra before and after the sorption of Cu(II) ions showed that free electron pairs from nitrogen and oxygen in the aminophosphonic functional groups participate in the process of copper ion sorption. In addition, the microscopic studies suggested that the process of ion exchange between Na(I) ions and sorbed Cu(II) ions takes place on the Purolite S 940 and Purolite S 950. This study concerning the in-depth understanding the of Cu(II) sorption mechanism, using modern analytical tools and research methods could be very useful for its further modifications leading to the improvement of the process efficiency.
Highlights
Nowadays due to growing industrialization, society has to face various environmental problems
The matrix of the above-mentioned ion exchangers is polystyrene cross-linked with divinylbenzene
The studies with spectroscopic methods allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of the processes taking place during the sorption of Cu(II) ions on Purolite S 940 and Purolite
Summary
Nowadays due to growing industrialization, society has to face various environmental problems. Metals of a density larger than 4.5 × 10−3 g/cm belong definition to the heavy metal group [2,3] In chemical reactions, they tend to donate electrons forming simple cations. They tend to donate electrons forming simple cations They show good thermal and electrical conductivity in the solid as well as liquid states, have a gloss, and are opaque. They have high melting and boiling points and are characterized by reducing properties [4,5] Some of these heavy metals like copper are required by living organisms in a smaller quantity but at higher concentrations, its presence results in toxic effects [6]. They are found in raw sewage and they are not degraded in the sewage treatment being very harmful to living organisms causing mutagenic changes, damage to the central nervous system, and cancer [7,8,9,10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
