Separation of Re(VII) from Mo(VI) by anion exchange resins synthesized using microwave heat

A microwave-assisted method for the synthesis of Re(VII)-selective anion exchange resins is proposed within this paper. The procedure involved (1) the copolymerization of vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC) and divinylbenzene (DVB), followed by (2) the modification thereof using 1-(3-aminopropyl)imidazole. Synthesis was carried out by applying different sets of microwave heating. Then, samples based on VBC-co-DVB copolymer, obtained conventionally or under exposure to microwaves, were applied by adsorbing ReO4- ions from solutions acidified at 0.1 M HCl containing oxoanions of Re(VII), Mo(VI) and V(V), as well as Cu(II). The studies covered adsorption behavior at equilibrium and the selective properties of the prepared resins. The maximum Re(VII) adsorption capacity of 303 mg g(-1) was achieved by the resin, that was obtained under constant exposure to microwaves at each stage of the synthesis procedure. All the resins selectively separated Re (VII) from Mo(VI). Selectivity of the adsorption towards ReO4- ions was up to 200-fold greater when compared to the 6-fold molar excess of Mo(VI) ions. Terms and symbols. [GRAPHICS]