Uptake of Divalent Metal Ions (Cu2+, Zn2+ and Cd2+) by Polysiloxane Immobilized Monoamine Ligand System

ABSTRACT

Porous solid siloxane polymers carrying a monoamine functional group of formula P-(CH₂)₃NH₂ (Where P- represents a siloxane framework silica like ) has been prepared by polycondensation of Si(OEt)₄ and (MeO)₃Si(CH₂)₃-NH₂. Treatment of aqueous solutions of divalent metal ions with the polysiloxane monoamine ligand system demonstrates that this material has high potential for preconcentration of metal ions (Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺). The tendency of these divalent metal ions to chemisorb by the monoamine ligand system at the optimum conditions increases in the order: Cd²⁺ 2+ 2+. The optimum pH is 5.5 for copper and 6-7 for zinc and cadmium. The ammonia/ ammonium chloride buffer solution gave maximum uptake for all metal ions. It is also found that the uptake of copper ions is concentration dependent and is independent of the presence of other competing ions. The monoamine ligand system suffers from leaching of ligand containing groups upon treatment with acidic solutions. The highest leaching occurs at low pH.