Hybrid ion exchangers (HIX) containing manganese(IV) oxide (MnO2) based on macroporous and gel-type carboxylic cation exchangers as supporting materials were obtained. The hybrid materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and nitrogen adsorption isotherms at 77 K and mercury porosimetry. HIX with introduced MnO2 (20.0-32.8 wt% Mn) were tested for removal of dissolved sulfides from anoxic aqueous solutions with 100-500 mg S2-/dm3 concentrations. The process proceeded effortlessly at pH 10-13 despite unfavorable electrostatic interactions of the reactants. The highest exhibited sorption capacity was 144.3 ± 7.1 mg S2-/g. Approximately 65% of dissolved sulfides were oxidized to S2O32- ions and repelled from HIX structure. On average, 13% of sulfide removal products were adsorbed by the MnO2 surface. The impact of MnO2 load and the ionic form of HIX functional groups on removal of sulfides and resulting products was examined. The mechanism of the process is suggested.
Keywords: hybrid ion exchanger; manganese(IV) oxide; reductive dissolution; residual sulfides; sulfide removal.