Selenium-doped phenolic resin spheres: Ultra-high adsorption capacity of noble metals.

Selenium-doped phenolic resin spheres (Se-RS) was synthesized by the reaction of 4,4′-selenodiphenol and resorcinol with formaldehyde catalyzing by ammonia. The whole reaction was completed within 5 min under the acceleration of ultra-sonication. Se-RS with controlled Se-content and Se-distribution were prepared in such manner. The obtained Se-RS showed enhanced Pd2+ and Au3+ adsorption capacity in aqueous solution. The adsorbed Au3+ can be further reduced to Au0 at the surface of Se-RS in situ without additional reducing agent. The Se-RS exhibited exceptional extract capacity of gold from e-waste sewage and other aqua even its Au3+ concentration was extremely low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]