Synthesis and Characterization of Organic−Inorganic Hybrid Mesoporous Anion-Exchange Resins for Perrhenate (ReO₄^-) Anion Adsorption

Abstract

Organic−inorganic hybrid mesoporous anion-exchange resins based on either pure silica or organosilica support materials were prepared and tested for the adsorption of perrhenate (ReO4-) anions in aqueous solutions. The prepared samples were characterized using nitrogen adsorption−desorption measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, 29Si cross-polarization/magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance, and scanning transmission electron microscopy. Among the prepared samples, the hybrid mesoporous anion-exchange resins functionalized with N-((trimethoxysilyl)propyl)-N,N,N-tri-n-butylammonium ions showed higher affinities for perrhenate ions than did the resins functionalized with N-((trimethoxysilyl)propyl)-N,N,N-trimethylammonium ions. The enhancement by the bulky ammonium functional ligand is consistent with Hofmeister selectivity.