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.