Sorbents based on modified polysiloxanes

Abstract

Organic-inorganic hybrid sorbents based on a polysiloxane modified with amino and thiourea groups have been synthesized for the first time by a sol-gel process. The structure of the sorbents has been determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and IR spectroscopy. Their thermal stability has been assessed and the mechanism of their degradation has been elucidated. The structural and adsorption parameters of the sorbents have been evaluated. The results demonstrate that the introduction of amino groups into the structure of the polysiloxane yields an effective sorbent for Pb(II) extraction and enables Cu(II) and Zn(II) separation from Co(II) and Ni(II). The thiourea-modified polysiloxane selectively sorbs Bi(III) (0.1–2 M HCl), Pt(IV) (pH 2), and Pb(II) (pH > 3). Divalent Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn can be sorbed from alkaline solutions.