Nano-ion-exchangers - a new class of reactive materials

Abstract

Nano-sized particles of functional polymers i.e. nano-ion-exchangers (NIEX), are unusual objects

which simultaneously behave as the hyper-charged ions and the solid ion exchangers. Due to similar charges, they form very stable colloidal systems. This paper is devoted to theoretical and practical study of the proper- ties of nano-exchangers, methods for their preparation, the technique of experiments being practically un- known, and the opportunities for their application.

The results of dynamic experiments are given for sorption of nano-exchangers and the ions of back- ground solutions on the beds of macro-particles of usual cationic and anionic resins. It is shown how to ob- tain the NIEX hydrosols with the desired ionic composition, and the concept of the standard state hydrosol is defined. The possibility for solid-phase exchange of counter ions between contacting particles of the same polarity is demonstrated.

The possibilities and advantages of using nano-ion-exchangers in chemical analysis are demonstrat- ed by different examples: preparation of separating phases for ion chromatography, application as modifier in capillary electrophoresis and using in photo-luminescence. The prospects of nano-ion-exchangers for drug delivery are also shown.