Work

Enhanced Selective Adsorption of Rare Earth Ions with Ion-Imprinted Poly(hydroxamic acid) Interpenetrating Polymer Networks: Fabrication, Performance, and Mechanisms

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The separation of rare earth elements (REEs) is challenging due to their similar chemical properties. This study developed a series of novel polystyrene–ion-imprinted poly(hydroxamic acid) interpenetrating polymer networks (PS-IIPHAs) for the highly selective adsorption of La3+, Ce3+, and Y3+. The effects of the solution pH, contact time, initial concentrations, and temperature on the adsorption performance of the resins were systematically investigated. The results showed that adsorption equilibrium was reached within 4 h at a pH of 1.0, following the Langmuir isotherm, with maximum adsorption capacities of 2.425, 3.012, and 2.927 mmol/g for La3+, Ce3+, and Y3+, respectively. The resins exhibited excellent selectivity toward the template ions, with separation factors of 35.45 for Ce3+-La3+, 17.52 for Y3+-La3+, and 11.04 for Ce3+-Y3+. These results indicate PS-IIPHAs as promising adsorbents for the efficient, highly selective recovery of REEs.

Source: Separations

DOI: 10.3390/separations13050128

Authors: Miaomiao Huang, Qing Wang, Shuai Wang

Institution: Central South University

Language: English

Topic: Extraction and Separation Processes

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137