Adsorption of Co2+ by stylene-g-polyethylene membrane bearing sulfonic acid groups modified by radiation-induced graft copolymerization

Cation-exchange hollow fiber membrane was prepared by radiation-induced gra fting polymerization of styrene onto polyethylene hollow fiber membrane and its sulfonation. Adsorption characteristics for the cation-exchange membra nes are examined when the solution of Co2+ permeates across the cation-exch ange fiber membrane. The maximum grafting peak was obtained from 70% styren e concentration at 50 degrees C. The degree of grafting (%) was enhanced wi th additives such as H2SO4 and divinylbenzene. The content of -SO3H groups ranged from 2 to 5 mmol g(-1) with chlorosulfonic acid (ClSO3H) in dichloro ethane, from 0.5 to 6 mmol g(-1) with ClSO3H in H2SO4, respectively. The ad sorption of Co2+ by the cation-exchange membranes increased with increasing -SO3H content. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.