Polystyrene thorium(IV) phosphate as a new crystalline and cadmium selective fibrous ion exchanger. Synthesis characterization and analytical applications

Some investigations on the preparative procedures of fibrous polystyrene th orium(IV) phosphate (PStThP) are reported. This new fibrous ion exchanger h as been characterized on the basis of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray d iffraction analysis, IR, thermogravimetric analysis, and ion exchange studi es. The ion exchange capacity for Naf ion is found to be 4.52 mequiv/dry g basis. Separation factors and Kd values for various cations at different co ncentrations have been determined, and a marked selectivity for Cd(II) has been found. The unusual selectivity for Cd(II) should lead to some useful p ractical applications.