methods of preparation and application of sulfur functionalized polymers . more particularly , triazine , cyclotriphosphazene and / or phenyl derivatives can be polymerized to form sulfur functionalized polymers . the materials can be used for separating heavy metals from gas and liquid . the invention is a solid extractant or sorbent that upon exposure or contact with a gas and / or liquid can remove contaminates or impurities . the material can be employed as a solid agent to remove mercury and other heavy metal from combustion , calcinations and / or industrial gases . also , the material can be applied as extracting agent for removing mercury and other heavy metal from a liquid phase . further , the material can be used for removing / recovering hazardous elements from radioactive nuclear waste ; or can be used for removing organic compounds from gases and liquids .