Brigham Young University

Ronald L Breuning

Bryon J Tarbet

Jerald S Bradshaw

Reed M Izatt

Krzysztof E Krakowiak

A method for the removal and concentration of desired ions such as Sb.sup.3+, Zr.sup.4+, Zn.sup.2+, Pu.sup.4+, Hf.sup.4+, Cu.sup.2+, Ni.sup.2+, Fe.sup.3+, Cd.sup.2+, Ag.sup.+, and Hg.sup.2+ from a multiple ion source solution which may contain larger concentrations of other undesired ions including H.sup.+ comprises bringing the source solution into contact with a compound comprising an aminoalkylphosphonic acid containing ligand covalently bonded through an organic spacer silicon grouping to a solid inorganic support. The aminoalkylphosphonic acid containing ligand 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 aminoalkylphosphonic acid containing ligand portion of the compound. The process is useful in removing desired or unwanted ions of Sb(III) from acidic waste streams, streams containing concentrated Cu(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), and Ag(I), and also the removal of Zr(IV), Pu(IV) and Hf(IV) from nitric acid solutions containing large amounts of other ions as well removal of unwanted ions from other industrial or environmental streams.

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Orem, UT, United States of America

Ronald L Breuning