Abstract: An ion exchange material comprising a superabsorbent polyurethane foam having an ion exchange medium contained therein. The ion exchange may be used in a process for the extraction of metal anions and cations from solutions and/or slurries including the steps of: (a) contacting a metal ion-containing solution with an ion exchange material comprising a superabsorbent polyurethane foam having an ion exchange medium contained therein; (b) separating the ion exchange material from the solution and/or slurry; and (c) recovering the sorbed metal ions from the ion exchange medium.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a process for the recovery or removal of metal species from a solution or slurry comprising the steps of: a) contacting the solution or slurry with a polymeric material, selected from the group consisting of a solid superhydrophilic polyurethane polymer containing a chelating and/or solvating agent, a water-insoluble polymeric chelating agent dispersed in a water-insoluble carrier solution, and a water-soluble polymeric chelating or co-ordinating agent to load the polymeric material with metal species wherein said polymeric material; b) separating the loaded polymeric material from the solution or slurry; and c) recovering or removing the metal from the polymeric material. There is also considered a polymeric material for use in the recovery of metal species from a solution or slurry, the polymeric material comprising a solid superhydrophilic polyurethane polymer containing a chelating or co-ordinating agent and/or a solvating agent.