Ion-imprinted silica gel and its dynamic membrane for nickel ion removal from wastewaters

An ion-imprinted sorbent (IIP) was prepared by using Ni 2+ as template, 3-[2-(2-aminoethylamino) ethylamino] propyl-trimethoxysilane as functional monomer, and silica gel as carrier. The adsorption performance of IIP towards Ni 2+ was investigated. IIP showed a higher adsorption capacity than that of non-imprinted sorbent, and it also exhibited high selectivity for Ni 2+ in the presence of Cu 2+ and Zn 2+ ions. Then, IIP was used to form a dynamic membrane onto the surface of ceramic membrane for treatment of electroplating wastewater containing Ni 2+ . Compared with ceramic membrane, IIP dynamic membrane had much higher steady membrane flux, and also rejected Ni 2+ to obtain a lower concentration of Ni 2+ in the permeate fluid. Perhaps it is suitable for future practice applications.