Ion exchanger for winning metals of value

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of monodisperse, macroporous anion exchangers of type I or type II in hydrometallurgical processes for winning metals of value.

1 . A method of using monodisperse, macroporous anion exchangers of type I or type II for winning metals of value, wherein type I denotes resins whose adsorbing sites are quaternary ammonium groups which are substituted by alkyl groups, preferably C 1 -C 4 -alkyl groups, and wherein type II denotes resins in which the quaternary ammonium groups have not only alkyl group(s) but also at least one hydroxyalkyl group, preferably a hydroxy-C 1 -C 4 -alkyl group. 
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the metals of value belong to main groups III to VI or transition groups 5 to 12 of the Periodic Table of the Elements. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 2 , wherein the metal of value is uranium. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to any of  claims 1  to  3 , wherein the monodisperse macroporous anion exchangers are used in resin in pulp processes or in in-situ leaching processes or in the work-up of water containing metals of value. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 3 , wherein the uranium is present as uranyl chloride, uranyl phosphate, uranyl acetate, uranyl carbonate, uranyl sulphate or uranyl nitrate. 
     
     
         6 . A process for winning metals of value by the resin in pulp process or the in-situ leaching process or from water containing metals of value, wherein monodisperse, macroporous anion exchangers of type I or type II, preferably of type II, are used, and type I denotes resins whose adsorbing sites are quaternary ammonium groups which are substituted by alkyl groups, preferably C 1 -C 4 -alkyl groups, and type II denotes resins in which the quaternary ammonium groups have not only alkyl group(s) but also at least one hydroxyalkyl group, preferably a hydroxy-C 1 -C 4 -alkyl group. 
     
     
         7 . A process according to  claim 6 , wherein the anion exchangers of type II are functionalized by tertiary amines, preferably dimethylethanolamine or dimethylmethanolamine. 
     
     
         8 . A process according to  claim 6  or  7 , wherein metals of value of main groups III to VI and transition group 5 to 12 of the Periodic Table of the Elements are won. 
     
     
         9 . A process according to  claim 6 , wherein uranium is won as metal of value.