Cu (II) removal from tequila using an ion-exchange resin

An ion-exchange resin was employed to remove copper from tequila. Elemental analysis, batch and column copper uptake measurements were performed to assess the extent of metal removal; FTIR and XPS were employed to elucidate the copper complexes formed on the surface of resin; GC was used to investigate resin fouling and the extent of methanol removal. A modified Langmuir isotherm was used to explain adsorption equilibrium data. A ligand density of 2.21mmol/g as sulphonic group, was measured. Maximum copper uptake by resin was 0.59mmol/g. GC results from column experiments revealed methanol changes from 311mg/100ml anhydrous alcohol (AA) to 212mg/100ml AA, complying with Mexican regulations. Tequila solution with copper (5.3l, 7.3mg/l) was treated to breakthrough point in column experiments reaching 0.5mg/l of copper at effluent. These results comply with the Mexican regulation for copper concentration (⩽2mg/l) showing the promise of resin for industrial applications in removal of copper and methanol from tequila.