Selective Separation of Lanthanides with Phenolic Resins: Extraction Behavior and Thermal Stability

• Published in: Separation science and technology Vol. 35; no. 8; pp. 1117 - 1132
• Main Authors: DRAYE, M., CZERWINSKI, K. R., FAVRE-RÉGUILLON, A., FOOS, J., GUY, A., LEMAIRE, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 01.06.2000
• ISSN: 0149-6395; 1520-5754
• DOI: 10.1081/SS-100100215

Catechol, resorcinol, and their admixtures with 8-hydroxyquinoline were converted into polymeric resins by alkaline polycondensation with formaldehyde. The resins were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, moisture regain, ion-exchange capacity, and distribution coefficient (D) for Eu 3+ . Thermogravimetric analysis of the polymer samples was studied, and the effect of the sorption of metal ions on their thermal stability was evaluated. Complexation of Eu 3+ to the resins was modeled based on metal ion charge neutralization. The selective uptake of Eu 3+ from aqueous solutions containing La 3+ was investigated, and the ionoselectivities of the resins were compared. The incorporation of 8-hydroxyquinoline in the molecular matrix of the phenolic resins is shown to exert a significant influence upon the competitive sorption of La 3+ and Eu 3+ , leading to their intragroup separation. The separation factors obtained by phenolic ion-exchange resins from aqueous solutions indicate ion-specific resins can be developed for the specific separation of actinide ions from nuclear waste.