Synthesis of hydrogel beads having phosphinic acid groups and its adsorption ability for lanthanide ions

Abstract

Hydrophilic copolymer beads, APPO–DMAAm–4G having phosphinic acid groups were prepared by suspension copolymerization of acryloyloxypropyl n-octylphosphinic acid (APPO), N, N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAAm), and tetraethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (4G) dissolved in chloroform in a saturated Na 2SO 4 aqueous solution in the presence of surfactant and MgCO 3. The adsorption abilities for metal ions of the copolymer beads were studied. The APPO–DMAAm–4G copolymer beads had higher adsorption ability for lanthanide metal ions (Eu 3+, Sm 3+, Nd 3+ or La 3+). Furthermore, it was also found that the APPO–DMAAm–4G copolymer beads had selective adsorption ability for lanthanide metal ions in the following order: Eu 3+ > Sm 3+ > Nd 3+ >La 3+.