Cation exchange removal of copper from aqueous ammonia solutions

Abstract

Abstract Stability constants for copper—ammine species absorbed on sulphonated polystyrene cation‐exchange resin have been estimated by the method of Bjerrum. The following values are obtained; log k 1 = 4.5, log k 2 = 3.7, log k 3 = 3.1, log k 4 = 2.5, log k 5 = 1.9. There is evidence that in the resin environment the fifth coordination position on copper(ii) is equivalent to the first four, contrary to the situation in aqueous solution. Ion‐exchange column experiments show that ammonia dosing of steam power plant feed‐water will not affect the ability of ion‐exchange condensate polishing plant to remove copper from the feed‐water.