In this article, we show that strongly basic anion exchangers (AV-17 and Purolite A-400) are able to retain Bi(III)-containing cations from Bi(NO3)(3) solutions. The sorption isotherms of the cations at 30 and 50 degrees C were obtained. The sorption increased with increasing temperature. Scanning electron microscopy showed that in the polymer phase, ultrafine particles of Bi(III)-containing compounds were formed. On heating (87 degrees C) in water and in an Na2SO4 solution, Bi(III)-containing ultrafine particles became relatively massive. Powder X-ray diffraction showed the existence of the crystalline phase of BiOCl and Bi2O3 on the surface and in the volume of the polymer granules. The behavior of the Bi(III)-containing polymer in the HCl, HNO3, and H2SO4 solutions (pH 0-2.5) was investigated. The Bi(III)-containing compounds in the polymer phase were stable at pH > 2. The desorption degree of Bi3+ in the HNO3 solution was much greater than in the HCl or H2SO4 solutions. Thermogravimetric investigation (in an N-2 atmosphere) in the range 25 1000 degrees C of the Bi(III)-containing polymer was also carried out. The Bi(III)-containing polymer was stable up to 120 degrees C. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 118: 2674-2681, 2010