New macroporous polymers for the selective adsorption of gold (III) and palladium (II). I. The synthesis, characterization, and effect of spacers on metal adsorption

New macroporous polymers with a functional group based on triisobutylphosphine sulphide are synthesized and characterized for the selective adsorption of gold and palladium. Five coordinating polymers are prepared from chloromethylated divinylbenzene polystyrene, by either direct attachment of the phosphine sulphide to the polymer or through a spacer chain that is modified to introduce O and S heteroatoms. The influence of the length and composition of the spacer chain on resin capacities is studied. The presence of O and S heteroatoms in the spacer increases the hydrophilicity of the polymers, and it is found to be essential for the adsorption of Au(III) and Pd(II). This is attributed to the coordination of the metal with the heteroatoms of the spacer.