Synthesis and characterization of zirconium aluminophosphate. A new cationexchanger

A new inorganic ion exchange sorbent, zirconium aluminophosphate, has been prepared with Na+ ion exchange capacity (iec) equal to 2.10 mequiv/dry g. I ts X-ray diffraction studies suggest that it is amorphous in nature. Its ch aracterization has also been done by IR, TGA, and DSC so as to identify var ious functional groups and ion exchange sites present in the material. Furt her, various ion exchange studies such as determination of iec, elution beh avior, pH titration, and distribution behavior have been performed on this material. Distribution coefficients for some heavy metal ions have also bee n determined to explore its separation potential. This material shows a hig h selectivity for Pb(II). On this basis some possible binary separations ma y be Pb(II)-Cd(II) and Pb(II)-Mg(II) on a column of this material.