Removal of perrhenate anions in aqueous solutions using anion-exchange organic/inorganic hybrid nanoporous beads

Organic/inorganic hybrid nanoporous beads functionalized with quaternary ammonium groups were prepared for the removal of perrhenate anions from aqueous solutions. Organic/inorganic hybrid anion-exchange resins of powder type were synthesized first, and then hybrid nanoporous beads were prepared using the prepared powder samples and Na-alginate solutions. The prepared hybrid nanoporous beads showed good adsorption affinity to the perrhenate anions. The physical and chemical properties of prepared samples were characterized using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and N2 adsorption–desorption measurement. We have also investigated equilibrium isotherms for the measurement of adsorption capacities, and kinetic performances through fixed-bed column experiments.