Mixed-matrix membrane adsorbers for the selective binding of metal ions from diluted solutions

In the coming years more and more diluted and complex material streams will have to be recycled. Variable amounts of different metals have to be separated from these streams due to their value or their toxicity. Polymer hybrid membranes with embedded functional nanoadsorber particles have been developed to remove diverse metal ions from these solutions. The membrane adsorbers were tested and their performance was evaluated using various metals such as Cu, Ag and Pb. In addition, the desorption behavior of these membrane adsorbers was evaluated with regard to multiple use and recovery of the adsorbed metals.