PREPARATION OF LAYERED ZIRCONIUM PHOSPHONATE PHOSPHATE, ZIRCONIUM PHOSPHONATE PHOSPHITE AND RELATED-COMPOUNDS

The preparation and characterization of a number of layered zirconium compounds containing inorganic phosphorus groups as well as organic ph osphonate groups are described. Thermal decomposition of ZrF62- in the presence of mixed phosphoric and phenylphosphonic acids leads to form ation of a staged compound in which the organic and inorganic groups a re separated in adjacent layers. Reaction of ZrOCl2 . 8H2O with a mixt ure of phosphorus acid and phenylphosphonic acid produces a differentl y staged compound in which each phosphonate group is situated opposite a phosphite group. Reaction of a mixed solution of phosphoric acid an d 1,4-phenyldiphosphonic acid with a solution of ZrOCl2 . 8H2O without HF results in the preparation of a series of amorphous mixed-componen t compounds that are found to be highly selective ion-exchangers towar d Cs+, etc. and can be used in nuclear waste disposal.