Supported chelating agents in remediation. The corkscrew model

Abstract

High‐porosity, high‐surface area, inert, solid substrates have been used for many years to support reactive phases. Solid substrates supporting liquid phases have been the basis of gas and liquid chro‐matographic techniques. In the present study, supported chelating agents were successful in the treatment of aqueous solutions for ion extraction. In particular, a ß‐diketone (LIX^® 54), supported upon silica gel, was used in one step to extract copper ions from solution (749 ppm) to levels of approximately 1 ppm in a two‐minute contact time. This treatment shows an advantage over conventional liquid‐liquid extraction techniques. The 13‐diketone was incorporated on the solid substrate using a wedging or “corkscrew”; technique that promises to be useful.