Ionic imprinted resins based on EDTA and DTPA derivatives for lanthanides(III) separation

Ionic imprinting resins bearing polycarboxylic acids groups were studied in lanthanides(III) separation. Two monomers, diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) derivatives, were synthesised and then polymerised in alcoholic medium using a free radical source. Solid¯liquid competitive extraction was carried out using an aqueous solution containing gadolinium(III) and lanthanum(III) cations. Crosslinking ratios, conditioning of resins and type of chelating monomers were studied. Best results were obtained when polymers based on DTPA derivative were converted to H+ form.