Ion Exchange Mastery: Targeting Cationic and Anionic Species for Their Efficient Separations from Various Samples

Dear Colleagues,

Ion exchange has been used empirically for centuries, long before the first separation reported by Tswet. Two important milestones in the late 19th and early 20th centuries influenced the development of both ion exchange research and its application: the theoretical foundation of ion exchange equilibrium and the discovery of synthetic resins, respectively. Since then, important applications have been developed and applied in areas such as water treatment and desalination, nuclear technology, pharmaceuticals, and the food, beverage, and chemical industries.

Advancements in the 21st century reflect a quest for discrimination among chemical species; therefore, selective ion exchangers have become a focus, with tailored resins such as chelating ones designed for specific ions. These were followed by smart ion exchangers, which are responsive to environmental stimuli, enabling the controlled release and capture of ionic species. Moreover, computational tools, molecular modeling, and docking techniques were employed for the design and optimization of ion exchange materials, accelerating the discovery of novel, high-performance systems such as mixed-mode stationary phases or ion exchange membranes with high selectivity and permeability. Furthermore, recent research has shown that some natural materials, such as wool, chitosan, walnut shells, etc., have ion exchange properties and, hence, a new era of eco-friendly stationary phases has flourished. Additionally, new applications are rising stars in the field of ion exchange, such as the integration of nanomaterials into ion exchange resins or carbon dots into membranes. Thus, the evolution of ion exchange continues to unfold, with ongoing efforts to address contemporary environmental challenges, improve resource recovery, and create innovative solutions for various industries.

This Special Issue will focus on the cutting edge of ion exchange equilibrium, materials, methods, and applications.

Dr. Irinel Adriana Badea
Dr. Rodica Olar
Guest Editors

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• ion exchange equilibrium
• new synthetic resins
• smart ion exchangers
• chelating resins
• mixed-mode stationary phases
• ion exchange membranes
• functionalized cyclodextrins
• host-guest interactions
• eco-friendly stationary phases
• natural ion exchangers (i.e., wool, chitosan, walnut shells)
• nanomaterials
• carbon dots
• contemporary environmental challenges
• water treatment
• desalination
• nuclear technology
• pharmaceutical field
• innovative nanovectorized therapeutic systems
• biomarkers
• food, beverage, and chemical industries