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SORPTION OF RHENIUM: RESEARCH, METHODS, AND SCIENTIFIC
APPROACHES
Dilyora Dilshod kizi Sherbutayeva
1
, Kholida Mumin kizi Azizova
1
student,
2
associate Professor, PhD in Chemical Sciences
Almalyk branch of Tashkent State Technical University
named after Islam Karimov
Abstract:
This article discusses the process of rhenium (Re) sorption and its effective methods.
Since perrhenate ions (ReO₄⁻) are found in industrial waste and the environment, posing
ecological risks, their efficient removal is one of the critical challenges. The paper analyzes
various types of sorbents, including activated carbon, ion-exchange sorbents, zeolites, and
biomass-based materials. The main mechanisms of the sorption process are described, including
electrostatic forces, ion exchange, and Van der Waals interactions. In addition, technologies for
rhenium recovery using modern nanomaterials and modified polymers are discussed. This review
serves as an important information source for research aimed at reducing rhenium’s ecological
hazards and developing efficient purification methods.
Keywords
: rhenium sorption, perrhenate ions, sorption methods, activated carbon, ion-exchange
sorbents, zeolites, biomass, environmental purification, bioaccumulation, nanomaterials.
Introduction
The effective removal of rhenium (ReO₄⁻) from the environment and industrial waste is an
essential aspect of environmental purification. Due to rhenium’s high toxicity and radioactive
properties, its contamination of water and soil can pose serious threats to the environment and
human health. Although various methods exist for rhenium removal, sorption—i.e., adsorption of
rhenium onto a solid phase—is one of the most effective and economically advantageous
technologies. This article reviews the main scientific studies and approaches related to rhenium
sorption.
Sources and Environmental Impact of Rhenium
Rhenium is mainly known as a decay product of ruthenium (Ru) isotopes generated in
radioactive materials or industrial processes. Its high toxicity and long persistence in the
environment increase its ecological hazard. Rhenium accumulation in water or soil can lead to
plant uptake, subsequent transfer to animals, and ultimately reach humans through the food chain,
posing serious health risks. Therefore, the effective removal and environmental separation of
rhenium are of utmost importance.
Methods of Rhenium Removal
Several methods exist for the removal of rhenium. The main methods include:
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Chemical reduction
: Rhenium can be removed by changing its oxidation state, i.e.,
reducing Re(VII) to Re(IV). While this method helps convert rhenium into other chemical forms,
its efficiency may be limited in some cases.
Filtration and distillation
: These methods are also used to remove rhenium from liquids,
though they often require high energy and time consumption.
Sorption
: Sorption, or adsorption of rhenium onto a solid phase, is the most widely used
and promising method for effectively removing rhenium from water and other solutions.
Sorbents and Their Properties
Various materials are used in the sorption process to remove rhenium. Effective sorbents usually
have a high surface area and a chemical structure capable of adsorbing rhenium. The most
commonly used sorbents include:
Activated carbon
: A highly adsorptive material effective in removing perrhenate
(ReO₄⁻). Its high surface area and porous structure enhance sorption efficiency [1].
Zeolites
: Natural minerals with microstructures and high surface areas that enable
effective rhenium adsorption. They are also chemically stable and environmentally friendly [2].
Ion-exchange sorbents
: Polymer-based sorbents, especially sulfonated polymers,
operate through ion exchange. These resins are efficient due to their ability to act as electron
donors and accommodate large ions [3].
Modified biomass
: Biomass materials such as soil- or plant-derived substances can be
chemically modified for efficient rhenium adsorption. These materials are environmentally
friendly and cost-effective [4].
Sorption Mechanisms and Processes
The rhenium sorption process is based on several physicochemical mechanisms, including:
Electrostatic forces
: Ionic properties on the sorbent surface facilitate rhenium adsorption
as an anion. These forces help bind rhenium to the solid phase [5].
Ion exchange
: In ion-exchange resins, rhenium anions are exchanged with other
positively charged ions, enhancing the efficiency of the process [6].
Van der Waals forces
: These molecular interactions support the adsorption of rhenium
onto the sorbent surface [7].
Recent Research and Innovations
Numerous studies have been conducted in recent years to improve rhenium sorption methods.
Some important innovations include:
Nanomaterials
: New types of nanomaterials have been developed using nanotechnology,
offering high surface area and special structures for effective rhenium adsorption [8].
Modified polymers
: The sorption process is being optimized with polymer resins and
nanomaterials, increasing its overall efficiency [9].
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Biomass-based sorbents
: New sorbents developed from natural biomass are both eco-
friendly and inexpensive, and this area is rapidly evolving [10].
Conclusion
Various materials and methods exist for effective rhenium sorption. Activated carbon, zeolites,
ion-exchange resins, and modified biomass materials are widely used in this field. In recent years,
more effective sorption technologies have been developed using nanomaterials and polymers. To
reduce the environmental risks of rhenium and ensure its efficient removal from ecosystems,
further development of these methods is necessary.
References:
1.
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LINKED COPOLYMER OF ACRYLONITRILE WITH HEXAHYDRO-1,3,5-TRIACRYLYL
TRIAZINE BY SUSPENSION COPOLYMERIZATION. Intent Research Scientific Journal,
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2.
Benoit, J., & Schubert, T. (2015). Perrhenate removal from aqueous solutions using
zeolites: An effective sorption approach. Environmental Science & Technology, 49(22), 13556–
13564.
3.
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study of selectivity and efficiency. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 380, 120848.
4.
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carbon-based adsorbents. Chemical Engineering Journal, 382, 122974.
5.
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modified biosorbents. Journal of Environmental Sciences, 95, 15–22.
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Sasaki, K., & Tanaka, N. (2018). Sorption of rhenium and perrhenate onto ion-exchange
resins: A kinetic study. Separation Science and Technology, 53(16), 2633–2643.
7.
Huang, S., & Xie, W. (2022). Recent advances in the use of sorbents for rhenium and
perrhenate removal from aqueous solutions. Environmental Pollution, 282, 117015.
8.
Chung, J., & Lee, M. (2016). Removal of rhenium from aqueous solutions by adsorptive
materials: A review. Journal of Environmental Management, 182, 340–350.
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Mirkhamitova Dilorom Khudaiberdievna, Azizova Kholida Mumin qizi, & Jadilova
Dilnavoz Abulazizovna. (2023). Granular copolymer synthesis of acrylonitrile and hexahydro
1.3.5-triacryliltriazine and its physicochemical properties. American Journal of Engineering ,
Mechanics
and
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