Ultrafine particles of bismuth(III) compounds in the phase of crosslinked polymers: Precursors for new sorbents and catalysts

In this article, we show that strongly basic anion exchangers (AV‐17 and Purolite A‐400) are able to retain Bi(III)‐containing cations from Bi(NO 3 ) 3 solutions. The sorption isotherms of the cations at 30 and 50°C were obtained. The sorption increased with increasing temperature. Scanning electron microscopy showed that in the polymer phase, ultrafine particles of Bi(III)‐containing compounds were formed. On heating (87°C) in water and in an Na 2 SO 4 solution, Bi(III)‐containing ultrafine particles became relatively massive. Powder X‐ray diffraction showed the existence of the crystalline phase of BiOCl and Bi 2 O 3 on the surface and in the volume of the polymer granules. The behavior of the Bi(III)‐containing polymer in the HCl, HNO 3 , and H 2 SO 4 solutions (pH 0–2.5) was investigated. The Bi(III)‐containing compounds in the polymer phase were stable at pH > 2. The desorption degree of Bi 3+ in the HNO 3 solution was much greater than in the HCl or H 2 SO 4 solutions. Thermogravimetric investigation (in an N 2 atmosphere) in the range 25–1000°C of the Bi(III)‐containing polymer was also carried out. The Bi(III)‐containing polymer was stable up to 120°C. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010