Selective Preconcentration of U(VI) and Th(IV) in Trace and Macroscopic Levels Using Malonamide Grafted Polymer from Acidic Matrices

A novel polymeric sorbent for selective extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) from highly acidic wastes was prepared by modifying Merrifield chloromethylated resin with N,N,N′,N′-tetrahexylmalonamide. The functionalized resin was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, CPMAS NMR spectroscopy, CHN elemental analysis and thermo-gravimetric analysis. Various physiochemical parameters responsible for quantitative extraction of metal ions were studied by static and dynamic methods. The resin exhibited very good extractability over a wide range of acidity (0.01–10 M) with a faster exchange rate (saturation possible within 20 min) and high sorption capacities (0.645 and 0.558 mmol g⁻¹) for U(VI) and Th(IV), respectively. Quantitative metal desorption was achieved by using 0.5 M (NH₄)₂CO₃ for both analytes. The significant feature of the resin is the possibility of sequential separation and the ability to elute only U(VI) with water, thus offering the possibility of sequential separation of U(VI) and Th(IV). Interference studies with commonly encountered metal ions, rare earth ions and electrolytes were conducted. Enrichment factors of 400 and 350 with a limit of quantification of 20 ng mL⁻¹ and 50 ng mL⁻¹ were achieved for the two analytes. All the analytical data were within 3.8% RSD, reflecting the reproducibility and reliability of the method.