SORPTION ENHANCEMENT OF SOME HYDROPHILIC ORGANIC SOLUTES THROUGH POLYMERIC LIGAND-EXCHANGE

This study identifies and characterizes a new class of polymeric sorbents with unusually high affinity toward oxalates, phthalates, and possibly other anionic organic solutes. These sorbents are specialty chelating polymers with immobilized transition-metal cations, such as copper (II), and prefer anionic ligands over competing sulfate and chloride ions. Anion exchange accompanied by strong Lewis acid-base (or metal-ligand) interaction is the underlying reason for their high sorption affinity toward these organic solutes. These polymeric ligand exchangers can be used in fixed-bed processes for selective removal of target organic solutes and are amenable to stoichiometric regeneration with sodium chloride or sodium carbonate.