Polybenzimidazole (PBI) is a high performance, high thermal stability, new generation polymer that has excellent resistance to acids, bases, organic solvents, and fuels.

The imidazole functionality suggests, however, that PBI should exhibit strong affinity for certain metal ions, and could be useful for solid phase extraction of metal ions. PBI's potential as an SPE has been assessed based upon its adsorption and desorption of metal tons from aqueous and organic environments.

Factors affecting metal adsorption and desorption, including pH, temperature, and metal cation versus anionic metal complex will be discussed. Adsorption chromatography with PBI will be evaluated, also.