Separation of strontium and yttrium in nitric acid solutions using zirconium titanium phosphate and Dowex exchangers

Sulfonated ion irradiated (H⁺ and He²⁺) PEEK films were synthesized with a range of cross-linking density and a variety of sulfonation degrees. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out at an initial pH of 6.0?±?0.2, initial concentrations of Pb²⁺ and ¹³⁷Cs ions of 10.0 mg L^?1 and 5500 Bq L^?1, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity was 60 mg g^?1 for Pb²⁺, and the distribution coefficient reached 6200 cm³ g^?1 for ¹³⁷Cs. The results indicated that sulfonation could be used to recycle low cross-linked PEEK and prepare efficient adsorbents to remove toxic Pb²⁺ and ¹³⁷Cs from polluted aqueous solutions.