Abstract
In this research, we investigated the praseodymium ions sorption by the ion exchangers KU-2-8 (H+form) and AV-17-8 (OH-form) as an interpolymer system called "KU-2-8:AV-17-8" (X:Y) with the molar ratio of ionic groups X:Y (6:0, 5:1, 4:2, 3:3, 2:4, 1:5, and 0:6) in praseodymium nitrate solution. To be clear, two cross-linked polymers having active functional groups that are in the same solution but not in direct contact form an interpolymer system. The purposeof our research to demonstrate how activating ion exchangers as functional polymers by remote contact in an aqueous medium enhances the sorption of a variety of valuable metals and their compounds from industrial waste solutions, including praseodymium. Objects.Ion exchangers that are mutually activated in an aqueous medium undergo conformational and electrochemical changes that lead to a shift in their state from neutral to highly ionized and an increase in their sorption activity toward target metal ions. Results.The experimental findings showed that the sorption activity of the interpolymer system KU-2-8:AV-17-8 (5:1) increased significantly when compared to praseodymium ions (43 %), but the sorption activity of the raw KU-2-8 (6:0) and raw AV-17-8 (0:6) had the same values of 25 % and 5 %, respectively. Conclusion. This research sheds light on a novel and promising approach to improve the efficiency of ion exchangers, opening possibilities for the effective recovery and removal of valuable metals from complex solutions. Additionally, it holds practical implications for sustainable waste management and resource recycling, contributing to the advancement of environmental protection and resource conservation in various industrial sectors. Further investigations and optimization of the interpolymer system could yield substantial benefits for greener and more resource-efficient future sorption technologies.