Preconcentration and separation of copper(II) by 3-aminopropylpolysiloxane immobilized ligand system

Porous solid insoluble polysiloxane-immobilized ligand system bearing propylamine of the general formula P-(CH2)3-NH2 (where P represents [Si–O]n siloxane network) was prepared and evaluated for the separation and preconcentration of copper(II) from aqueous solution. The ligand system retained Cu(II) effectively when used as a metal ion extractant. The ligand system also showed high selectivity to separate copper(II) from a mixture of metal ions (Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II)) when used as chromatographic stationary phase. The optimum pH appeared to be pH = 5.5 using acetate buffer as an eluent. Thermal analysis showed that the ligand system is very stable at relatively high temperatures.