Two novel extraction chromatography resins containing multiple diglycolamide-functionalized ligands: Preparation, characterization and actinide uptake properties

• Extraction chromatographic resins containing C4DGA and T-DGA were made.
• The coated resin beads were used for actinide ion extraction from acidic feeds.
• Adsorption isotherm studies were carried out.
• Column mode operations were also tested for possible applications.

Two extraction chromatography resins were prepared for the first time by impregnating multiple diglycolamide-functionalized ligands such as diglycolamide-calix[4]arene (C4DGA) and tripodal diglycolamide (T-DGA) on Chromosorb-W, an inert solid support, for the removal of hazardous actinides like Am(III) from radioactive waste solutions at 3 M nitric acid. The resins were characterized by SEM, thermal and surface area (BET) analyses. The sorption of Am(III) on the two resins followed pseudo-second order sorption rate kinetics and was exothermic in nature. The sorption of trivalent f-elements proceeded through a chemisorption monolayer phenomenon as analyzed by using several isotherm models. The negative free energy change (ΔG) values of −34.46 and −28.45 kJ/mol for T-DGA and C4DGA, respectively, indicate a chemical interaction between the metal ions and the ligands on the surface of the resins. Distribution coefficient measurements of various metal ions showed a selective sorption of trivalent f-elements over hexavalent uranyl ions and other fission product elements. Column studies on breakthrough indicated 0.76 and 0.37 mg/g as the breakthrough capacities of the T-DGA and the C4DGA resins, respectively. It was possible to quantitatively elute the loaded metal ion using EDTA solutions.