I would like to set up ion exchange columns in burets for high school students to remove metal from solution using cation exchange resins. ThermoFisher looks very expensive is there a financially viable alternative?
Its worth discussing with resin manufacturers.
They may be willing to provide some free of charge for academic purposes (equally the might not though)
But manufacturers include, but are not limited to Dupont Lanxess, Purolite.
Ion exchange resins are notoriously expensive.. so just something to keep in mind... although Thermofisher or other lab suppliers are likely to be more expensive.
Alternatively, you could try a domestic source of water purifiers - many of these use ion-exchangers. They are distinctive as they appear as yellowish small beads of approx. 0.2 mm. These are relatively accessible.
Dear Dr. Corcoran,
Of course, you can use the resin in a burette or other column-shaped apparatus similar to a burette, don't forget to put a cotton or fiberglass base on the bottom so you don't lose the resin.
The important thing is to know the internal diameter of the burette in order to calculate the resin volume to be used, for stoichiometric calculations, including the total exchange capacity of the resin.
I recommend a youtube channel, in Portuguese, but when viewing you will understand the information, which will help in your class proposal, including many bibliographical references.
Here's the link if you're interested:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAXDktqOV_ufr0A4dqx-60Q
For resin, I recommend cationic resin for water treatment, easily found on internet sales sites at cheap prices.
Sincerily,
Prof. Seneda
- Badges
- Science topic