Adsorption Behavior Of Metal Ions Research Articles

Ion Exchange for the Purification of Co(II) or Ni(II) from Acidic and Ammonia Solutions in the Recycling of Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries

The recycling of critical metals like cobalt and nickel from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is of immense importance in sustainable manufacturing. This work aims to purify Co(II) and Ni(II) present in acidic and ammonia solutions using ion exchange. AG-1-X8 resin modified with thiocyanate anions (R4N+SCN− resin) was used to separate a small amount of Co(II) from HCl and H2SO4 solutions containing Ni(II) and Si(IV) at pH 3, and the effect of factors such as pulp density, shaking time, and Ni(II) concentration on the adsorption of Co(II) was investigated. The difference in the adsorption behaviour of metal ions onto the R4N+SCN− resin from HCl and H2SO4 solutions was insignificant. Increasing the Ni(II) concentration in the feed negatively affected the loading efficiency of Co(II). The complete elution of the metals from the loaded resin was attained with a 5% NH3 solution. Purolite C100 resin was selected for the purification of Co(II) from a 10% (v/v) NH3 solution containing a small amount of Ni(II), and the best conditions for the complete adsorption of both Co(II) and Ni(II) were determined. Selective elution of Ni(II) over Co(II) from the loaded resin was achieved by dilute H2SO4 solution. The purity of Co(II) in the solution after elution with 2.0 mol/L H2SO4 from the Ni(II) free resin was higher than 99.99%. Ion exchange was effective for purifying a weak acidic or ammonia solution in which there is a significant difference in the Co(II) and Ni(II) concentrations.

Evaluation the feasibility of using clinoptilolite as a gravel pack in water wells for removal of lead from contaminated groundwater.

The ability of clinoptilolite zeolite as a filter in water wells to remove lead from polluted groundwater was tested in batch and fixed-bed column experiments. XRF, XRD, SEM, and BET were used to characterize the zeolite. Because of the pH variation in groundwater, batch experiments were performed at pH = 6, 7, and 8, with the highest removal efficiency (84.2%) at pH = 6 and 298K within 90min. The Freundlich model accurately predicted metal ion adsorption behavior and indicated a multilayer adsorption of Pb(II) molecules on the inhomogeneous surface of clinoptilolite. The best-fitting kinetic model for clinoptilolite is the pseudo-second order equation, highlighting that the rate of adsorption is dependent on absorbent capacity. Next, the effect of flow rate, bed depth, and grain size of clinoptilolite on lead removal was investigated in column experiments at an initial concentration of 450mg pb/L. The highest removal efficiency was achieved in column experiments with a flow rate of 1mL/min, a bed height of 10cm, and a grain size of 0.6 to 0.8mm. Breakthrough curves were predicted by the Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models, with excellent agreement with the corresponding experimental data. This research will be used to develop a new in situ remedial approach for removing lead from polluted groundwater.

Effect of Pyrolysis Temperature on Removal Efficiency and Mechanisms of Hg(II), Cd(II), and Pb (II) by Maize Straw Biochar

Pyrolysis temperature significantly affects the properties of biochar, which in turn can affect the removal of heavy metal ions and the underlying mechanism. In this work, biochars from the pyrolysis of maize straw at 300, 400, and 500 °C (BC300, BC400, and BC500, respectively) and wheat straw at 400 °C (WBC400) were investigated. The influence of production temperature on the adsorption of Hg2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ by maize straw biochar was investigated by the characterization of the biochars and by adsorption tests. The adsorption capacities of maize and wheat straw biochar were compared in an adsorption experiment. Biochar BC400 showed the best physical and chemical properties and had the largest number of surface functional groups. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model was more suitable for describing the adsorption behavior of metal ions to biochar. The Langmuir model better fit the experimental data. Biochar BC400 had a higher adsorption speed and a stronger adsorption capacity than WBC400. The sorption of Pb2+ and Hg2+ to maize straw biochar followed the mechanisms of surface precipitation of carbonates and phosphates and complexation with oxygenated functional groups and delocalized π electrons. The adsorption mechanism for Cd2+ was similar to those of Hg2+ and Pb2+, but precipitation mainly occurred through the formation of phosphate. In the multi-heavy-metal system, the adsorption of Cd2+ by BC400 was inhibited by Pb2+ and Hg2+. In summary, BC400 biochar was most suitable for the adsorption effect of heavy metals in aqueous solution.

Chemical vapor deposition synthesis of high-quality Ni3C/GNPs composite material: Effect of growth time on the yield, morphology and adsorption behavior of metal ions

Chemical vapor deposition synthesis of high-quality Ni3C/GNPs composite material: Effect of growth time on the yield, morphology and adsorption behavior of metal ions

Removal of Ni (II), Mn (II) and Zn (II) from crude yellow cake aqueous solution by cross-linked chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol

The removal of Ni (II), Mn (II) and Zn (II) from crude yellow cake onto chitosan cross-linked by Epichlorohydrin (CS-ECH) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were investigated in nitrate solutions. The influence of contact time, pH, temperature and initial metal concentrations on the adsorption processes were investigated using batch modes. Langmuir and Fruindlish models were used for investigation of adsorption isotherm. The results showed that the equilibrium adsorption behavior of metal ions onto CS-ECH and PVA could be fitted to Langmuir model. The total maximum adsorption capacity of CS-ECH and PVA were calculated, and the results indicate the higher values of CS-ECH than PVA, due to the properties of chemical structure of CS-ECH. The adsorption kinetics parameters were also tested using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order models, and interparticle diffusion models. The results indicate the adsorption processes of metal ions on both CS-ECH and PVA followed the pseudo-first-order and the pseudo-second-order models which meaning the mixed adsorption, except the adsorption of Mn (II) on PVA is only described by the pseudo-second-order equation. The results indicate the adsorption processes of metal ions followed the pseudo-second-order models for both CS-ECH and PVA. Otherwise, the values of thermodynamic parameters (ΔHoads, ΔSoads, and ΔGoads) of metal ions removal by CS-ECH and PVA exhibit the spontaneity, and exothermicity of adsorption processes.

Cu(II) and Cd(II) capture using novel thermosensitive hydrogel microspheres: adsorption behavior study and mechanism investigation

AbstractBACKGROUNDAt present, various kinds of hydrogel adsorbents are applied to the treatment of heavy metal ions in wastewater. In this work, we focused on the adsorption of cadmium [Cd(II)] and copper [Cu(II)] onto microspheres of a novel thermosensitive hydrogel (NH2‐SA/PNIPA, aminated sodium alginate/poly‐N‐isopropyl acrylamide), studied the effect of temperature on the phase transition of the hydrogel in detail, and discussed the influence on the adsorption behavior of metal ions in the hydrogel.RESULTSThe NH2‐SA/PNIPA exhibited a higher adsorption efficiency under the conditions of interfering monovalent cationic and neutral pH. The adsorption capacities based on the Langmuir model were 57.2 mg g–1 for Cu(II) and 100.5 mg g–1 for Cd(II) at 20 °C, respectively. Higher temperature facilitated the adsorption process and also led to the volume shrinkage and hydrophobicity of NH2‐SA/PNIPA. The metal ions had different hydration and hence different adsorption capacities, of 56.7 mg g–1 for Cu(II) and 88.6 mg g–1 for Cd(II) at 40 °C. The results of diffusion behavior analysis showed that the diffusion coefficients were ≈1 × 10−11 m2 s–1. The adsorption performance of NH2‐SA/PNIPA hardly decreased even after five cycles. In addition, the adsorption process was controlled mainly by the complexation reaction.CONCLUSIONThe novel hydrogel microspheres overcame the deficiency of conventional adsorbents and possessed high diffusibility. This work provides a theoretical basis and empirical evidence for enhancement of adsorbents for removing heavy metals in wastewater. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Adsorption Behavior of Divalent Metal Ions onto Surface-functionalized Mesoporous Silicate MCM-41 Having Schiff Base Structure.

Surface functionalized mesoporous silicates, MCM-41s, having 3-(2-pyridylmethylideneimino)propyl group (PI-MCM-41) or 3-(2-quinolylmethylideneimino)propyl group (QI-MCM-41) were prepared via Schiff base reaction, and the adsorption behavior of metal ions onto the modified MCM-41s was investigated. The function groups on the modified MCM-41 surface were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and elemental analysis. The metal ions examined, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+, were quantitatively adsorbed on the PI-MCM-41 and QI-MCM-41, except for Mn2+. In the complexation with these metal ions, it was suggested that imine-N and heterocyclic-N atoms act as donor atoms. In addition, it was considered that the hydrophobicity derived from the organo-functional groups modified on MCM-41 contributed to improving the adsorption ability.

Equilibrium, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies of lead ion adsorption from mine wastewater onto MoS2-clinoptilolite composite

This work explored the potential of clinoptilolite, molybdenum sulphide (MoS2), and MoS2-clinoptilolite composite in lead (Pb) removal from aqueous medium and industrial mining wastewater. MoS2-clinoptilolite composite was successfully prepared by a hydrothermal method. The surface properties, structure, and composition of the synthesized composite and the parent compounds were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The removal efficiency of lead from aqueous solution was studied in batch-mode experiments. The MoS2-clinoptilolite was used for the removal of Pb ions (50 mg/L) from an aqueous solution: ~100% of the Pb was removed with a MoS2-clinoptilolite dose of 0.075 g, pH 6 at 328K within 90 min. The adsorption capacities of Pb onto MoS2-clinoptilolite were found to be higher than those onto clinoptilolite. Metal ion adsorption behavior was well explained by the Freundlich model, that is, multilayer adsorption of Pb molecules occurred on the heterogeneous surface of adsorbents in case of clinoptilolite, while in the case of MoS2-clinoptilolite, the Langmuir model was suitable, that is, the adsorption occurred on a monolayer surface. The rate of Pb adsorption was explained by pseudo-second-order model suggesting that the adsorption process is presumably chemisorption. Thermodynamic parameters such as ΔH°, ΔS°, and ΔG° were calculated, which indicated that the adsorption was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The selectivity of each adsorbent for Pb was also tested by adding the adsorbents to real gold mine water which contains competitive metal ions.

Adsorption-coupled reduction mechanism in ZnO-Functionalized MWCNTs nanocomposite for Cr (VI) removal and improved anti-photocorrosion for photocatalytic reduction

It is essential to utilize the adsorption-coupled reduction mechanism when using adsorption techniques for heavy metal ions remediation. This particular work deals with the synthesis of ZnO functionalized MWCNTs (ZC) where ZnO nanoparticles are grafted on the functionalized MWCNTs by a facile hydrothermal approach for Cr (VI) removal. The metal ion adsorption behavior of ZC nanocomposites has been examined for removal of Cr (VI), and it was noticed that ZC-10 (10 wt % functionalized MWCNT content) exhibited excellent adsorption capacity and removal efficiency of 94% was accomplished at pH 2. Equilibrium data have been analyzed using various isotherm models and were found to be represented best by the Langmuir adsorption model. Various kinetic models have been used to understand the adsorption process, and the kinetics of adsorption best followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The influence of several operational parameters such as initial pH, Cr (VI) concentration, dosage, agitation speed, and the presence of competing anions were well elucidated and optimized. Thermodynamic parameters revealed that the adsorption of Cr (VI) on ZC-10 adsorbent was spontaneous and endothermic. Additionally, ZC-10 nanocomposite exhibited improved photocatalytic activity under UV–Vis light irradiation in contrast to ZnO as a result of reduced electron-hole pair recombination and improved anti-photocorrosion.

Synthesis and Characterization of Cellulose Acetate- Titanium (IV) Tungstomolybdate Nanocomposite Cation Exchangers for the Removal of Selected Heavy Metals from Aqueous Solution

Novel Cellulose acetate titanium (IV) tungstomolybdate nanocomposite cation exchanger was synthesized by sol-gel method by incorporating cellulose acetate polymer into inorganic exchanger, titanium (IV) tungstomolybdate. Different techniques including FTIR, XRD, TGA SEM and BET were used to characterize the exchanger. The Cellulose acetate titanium (IV) tungstomolybdate (CATTM) behaved as a good cation exchanger with IEC of 1.64 meq g-1 for Na+ ions. The sequence of ion exchange capacity for alkali metal ions was found to be K+> Na+> Li+ and that for alkaline earth metal ions was Ba2+ > Ca2+ >Mg2+ .These orders revealed that the ions with smaller hydrated radii acquired larger ion exchange capacity. The pH titration curve indicated that the material obtained as such is a bi functional strong cation exchanger as indicated by a low pH (~2.25) of the solution when no OH- ion was added. Thermal analysis of the material showed that the material retained 55% of its ion exchange capacity up to 600°C. Adsorption behavior of metal ions in different solvents with varying concentration has also been explored and the sorption studies revealed that the material was selective for Cr(III) and Pb(II) ions. The analytical utility of the material was investigated by performing binary separations of selected metal ions in a column based on the distribution coefficients of the metals. Cr(III) and Pb(II) were selectively removed from synthetic mixtures of Cr(III)-Cd(II), Cr(III)-Fe(III), Pb(II)-Cd(II) and Pb(II)-Fe(III). Antimicrobial activity of the synthesized inorganic compound was evaluated and showed a considerable antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli and Shigella flexneri. The inorganic counterpart has also exhibited a promising antifungal activity against Aspagilus niger and Fusarium oxysporim.Key Words; Binary separations, Cellulose acetate, Characterization, Nanocomposite, Sol-gel method.

Using Modified Fly Ash for Removal of Heavy Metal Ions from Aqueous Solution

This paper presents the characteristics of fly ash which was modified by 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as the surfactants after treating with 1M NaOH solution. The change in morphology, specific surface area, crystal structure, and composition of the unmodified and modified fly ash was evaluated by FTIR, XRD, FESEM, BET, and EDX methods and techniques. The FTIR spectra of modified fly ash showed that there was no chemical reaction between the surfactants and fly ash. The XRD patterns and FESEM images indicated that modified fly ash had zeolite structure with a pore size of about 50 nm. Heavy metal ion adsorption behavior as well as adsorption isotherm models (Langmuir and Freundlich) of Cd2+ and Hg2+ ions of the unmodified and modified fly ash were also investigated and discussed. The amount of adsorbed ions of the modified fly ash was higher than that of the unmodified fly ash. The calculated results from the adsorption data according to the adsorption isotherm models of the above ions displayed that the Langmuir isotherm model was complied for the Cd2+ adsorption process while the Freundlich isotherm model was fitted for the Hg2+ adsorption process.

HEAVY METAL REMOVAL BY CELLULOSE-BASED TEXTILE WASTE PRODUCT

The textile industry is a source of significant amounts of cellulosic waste that can be processed into promising sorbents. The aim of study was understanding the adsorption behavior of metal ions on cellulose surfaces obtained from cellulose textile waste of light industry. Previous studies have shown that unmodified cellulose-based ion exchange resins obtained at different pH values were able to remove metal ions from aqueous solution. In present work the cellulose-based ion exchange resins were prepared by H2SO4 hydrolysis of initial waste product with following neutralization up to different pH and drying at 80 °C. Based on the fractional composition of powdered sorbents, the weighted average particle size of the sorbents used is determined: sorbents with pH = 1.5 - 3 ≈ 0.57 mm; sorbents with pH = 5 - 7 ≈ 0.14 mm. The IR analysis of the elemental composition of the particles showed the presence of bound sulfate groups in the powder sorbent with pH = 1.5-3. The results of experiments showed that the modification of the surface of the cellulose waste with sulfuric acid increased the effect of adsorption of Ni, Fe and Pb ions from an aqueous solution. It has been established that the electrostatic interaction between surface functional groups plays a significant role in the adsorption properties of the sorbents obtained. The affinity of sulphonic acid resins for cations generally varies with the ionic size and charge of the cation. This study showed that adsorption capacities of studied metals were in the order of Fe3+<Pb2+<Ni2+. Resulting cellulose particles have sulfate groups on their surface, which have wide range of applications for the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater.

Self-Healing Hydrogel toward Metal Ion Rapid Removal via Available Solar-Driven Fashion

Heavy metal ion pollution has been considered a big issue because of the high harmful and destructive effects to human beings. Hydrogel adsorption has received considerable interest in this aspect. However, the challenge still exists because the adsorption process is time-consuming. Herein, we designed and prepared poly(HPA-co-AA-co-NVP) hydrogels (HPA = hydroxypropyl acrylate, AA = acrylic acid, NVP = N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) via frontal polymerization (FP) for heavy ion removal. By virtue of high reaction rate of FP, the whole process of polymerization could be accomplished within 10 min without further energy. The as-prepared hydrogels exhibited pH sensitivity, excellent self-healing properties (a self-healing efficiency up to 90.9%), and heavy metal ion adsorption behavior. More importantly, we developed a new solar-driven method for rapid ion uptake, where solar energy was used to facilitate the adsorption rate. As compared to general adsorption in water without any treatment, this new solar-driven met...

Adsorption characteristics of copper ion on nanoporous silica

Adsorption by nanoporous media is critically involved in many fundamental geological and geochemical processes including chemical weathering, element migration and enrichment, environmental pollution, etc. Yet, the adsorption behavior of metal ions on nanoporous materials has not been systematically investigated. In this study, MCM-41 material with a monodisperse pore size (4.4 nm) and a large BET specific surface area (839 m2/g) was hydrothermally prepared and used as a model silica adsorbent to study the adsorption characteristics of Cu2+ as a representative metal ion. The Cu2+ adsorption capacity was found to increase with increasing suspension pH in the range from 3 to 5 and to decrease in the presence of NaNO3. At 25 °C, pH = 5, and a solid-to-liquid ratio of 5 g/L, the adsorption capacity was determined to be 0.29 mg/g, which can be converted to a dimensionless partition coefficient of 45, indicating a strong enriching effect of nanoporous silica. The adsorption isotherm and kinetic data were fitted to several commonly used thermodynamic, kinetic, and diffusion models. The adsorption mechanism was also studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The results suggest that Cu2+ ion adsorption is an entropy-driven endothermal process, possibly involving both outer-sphere and inner-sphere complexes.

Preparation of mesoporous silica from coal slag and its metal ion adsorption behavior

A novel mesoporous silica (MS) with the high specific surface area up to 1,199 m2/g was prepared from coal slag by SO 3 2− leaching and hydrothermal synthesis. Its application in metal ion removal was explored using Pb2+, Cu2+, Co2+ and Cd2+ as the model ions. The effects of adsorption time, pH, initial metal ion concentration, adsorbent dosage and adsorption temperature on the metal ion adsorption behaviors of the as-prepared MS were systematically, and the maximum adsorption capacities were measured to be 55.76 mg·g−1, 33.49 mg·g−1, 24.29 mg·g−1 and 22.98 mg·g−l for Pb2+, Cu2+, Co2+ and Cd2+, respectively. The metal ion adsorption on the as-prepared MS followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, and the adsorption isotherm fitted the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating that the adsorption was spontaneous, endothermic and enthalpy driven.

Adsorption Behavior of Metal Ions on Cellulose Fiber Modified with Schiff Base Compound Having Pyridyl Groups

Adsorption Behavior of Metal Ions on Cellulose Fiber Modified with Schiff Base Compound Having Pyridyl Groups

Kinetic study on adsorption of Cr(VI), Ni(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions using activated carbon prepared from Cucumis melo peel

The adsorption of Cr(VI), Ni(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II), ions from aqueous solutions by Cucumis melo peel-activated carbon was investigated under laboratory conditions to assess its potential in removing metal ions. The adsorption behavior of metal ions onto CMAC was analyzed with Elovich, intra-particle diffusion rate equations and pseudo-first-order model. The rate constant of Elovich and intra-particle diffusion on CMAC increased in the sequence of Cr(VI) > Ni(II) > Cd(II) > Pb(II). According to the regression coefficients, it was observed that the kinetic adsorption data can fit better by the pseudo-first-order model compared to the second-order Lagergren’s model with R2 > 0.957. The maximum adsorption of metal ions onto the CMAC was found to be 97.95% for Chromium(VI), 98.78% for Ni(II), 98.55% for Pb(II) and 97.96% for Cd(II) at CMAC dose of 250 mg. The adsorption capacities followed the sequence Ni(II) ≈ Pb(II) > Cr(VI) ≈ Cd(II) and Ni(II) > Pb(II) > Cd(II) > Cr(VI). The optimum adsorption conditions selected were adsorbent dosage of 250 mg, pH of 3.0 for Cr(VI) and 6.0 for Ni(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II), adsorption concentration of 250 mg/L and contact time of 180.

Synthesis, Characterization and Heavy Metal Ion Adsorption Behavior of Imidazole-Based Novel Polyamides and Polyimides

Imidazole-based polyamides (PA)s and polyimides (PI) s were prepared from condensation of a new aromatic heterocyclic diamine, 4,4›(4,4›-(2-(4-(triflouromethyl)phenyl)-1H-imidazole-4,5-dyl)bis(4,1-phenylen))bis(oxy)bis(3-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole-2-yl)aniline), with various diacids and dianhydrides, respectively. The structure of diamine, PAs and PIs were fully characterized by using elemental analysis, FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR techniques. Also, adsorption capability of these polymers for removal of heavy metal ions such as Co2+, Cr3+, Cd2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+ from aqueous solutions was also tested at pH 7-8. The PAs and PIs showed good solubility in aprotic polar organic solvents with high thermal stability exhibiting the glass transition temperatures (Tg)s and 10% weight loss temperatures (T10%) in the range of 220-286 °C and 383-435 °C for PAs and 251-307 °C and 407-512 °C for PIs.

Fabrication and characterization of novel high-performance fluorinated polyimides with xanthene pendent architecture: Study of thermal, photophysical, antibacterial and heavy metal ion adsorption behavior

Two series of new fluorescent polyimides (PIs) with different functional groups such as flexible ether linkages, substituted imidazole, photoactive xanthene pendant, and electron withdrawing CF3 groups were prepared using novel monomers and three commercially available dianhydrides. The structures of two diamines and PIs were fully characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The prepared polymers were amorphous with inherent viscosity ranged from 0.38 to 0.66dL/g, they were readily soluble in a variety of organic solvents and tough transparent films were prepared by solution casting method. These polymers showed useful level of thermal stability having high glass transition (Tg) (235–303°C) and 10% weight loss (402–498°C) temperatures with more than 62% residue at 800°C under N2. They exhibited strong UV–vis absorption in solutions and in films. Photoluminescence efficiency was affected by the chemical structure of the polymers and their quantum yields ranged from 7 to 21%. The antibacterial activity of diamines and two polymers were investigated against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Also, the prepared PIs were investigated for the removal of heavy metal ions such as Cr3+, Pb2+, Hg2+, Cd2+and Co2+ from aqueous solutions at pH 7–8.

Synthesis, characterization and analytical application of polyaniline tin(IV) molybdophosphate composite with nanocrystalline domains

Polyaniline–tin(IV)molybdophosphate nanocomposite has been synthesized by incorporating polyaniline into inorganic exchanger tin(IV)molybdophosphate. Simultaneous TGA–DTA, FTIR, XRD, HRTEM and EDS have been used to characterize this composite material. The polyaniline–tin(IV)molybdophosphate (PATMP) behaves as bifunctional and strong acid cation exchanger with IEC of 1.79meqg−1 for Na+ ions. Thermal analysis of the material shows that the material retains 75% of its ion-exchange capacity up to 600°C. Adsorption behavior of metal ions in different solvents with varying concentration has also been explored. The sorption studies revealed that the material is selective for Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions. The analytical utility of the material has been explored by achieving some binary separations of metal ions on its column based on the distribution coefficients. Pb(II) and Cu(II) have been selectively removed from synthetic mixtures of Pb(II)–Mn(II), Pb(II)–Ni(II), Cu(II)–Mn(II) and Cu(II)–Ni(II).