IMPROVED SORPTION OF PRASEODYMIUM IONS FROM NITRATE SOLUTIONS BY ACTIVATED ION EXCHANGERS

Abstract

Introduction. In this research, we investigated the praseodymium ions sorption by the ion
exchangers KU-2-8 (H+
form) and AV-17-8 (OHform) as an interpolymer system called "KU-2-8:AV17-8" (X:Y) with the molar ratio of ionic groups X:Y (6:0, 5:1, 4:2, 3:3, 2:4, 1:5, and 0:6) in
praseodymium nitrate solution. To be clear, two cross-linked polymers having active functional groups
that are in the same solution but not in direct contact form an interpolymer system. The purpose of our
research to demonstrate how activating ion exchangers as functional polymers by remote contact in an
aqueous medium enhances the sorption of a variety of valuable metals and their compounds from
industrial waste solutions, including praseodymium. Objects. Ion exchangers that are mutually activated in
an aqueous medium undergo conformational and electrochemical changes that lead to a shift in their state
from neutral to highly ionized and an increase in their sorption activity toward target metal ions.
Results. The experimental findings showed that the sorption activity of the interpolymer system KU-2-
8:AV-17-8 (5:1) increased significantly when compared to praseodymium ions (43 %), but the sorption
activity of the raw KU-2-8 (6:0) and raw AV-17-8 (0:6) had the same values of 25 % and 5 %,
respectively. Conclusion. This research sheds light on a novel and promising approach to improve the
efficiency of ion exchangers, opening possibilities for the effective recovery and removal of valuable
metals from complex solutions. Additionally, it holds practical implications for sustainable waste
management and resource recycling, contributing to the advancement of environmental protection and
resource conservation in various industrial sectors. Further investigations and optimization of the
interpolymer system could yield substantial benefits for greener and more resource-efficient future
sorption technologies.