Synthesis and characterization of a novel hybrid cation exchange material and its application in metal ion separations

A novel hybrid cation exchange material of the class of tetravalent metal acid (TMA) salt, zirconium diethylene triamine pentamethylene phosphonate (ZrDETPMP) has been synthesized by sol gel method. The material has been analyzed by spectroscopy and thermal methods. Physico-chemical and ion exchange characteristics have also been studied. Distribution coefficient (Kd) has been determined in aqueous as well as various electrolyte media/concentrations for Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+ (transition metal ions) and Cd2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, Bi3+ (heavy metal ions) using ZrDETPMP. Based on the differential affinity/selectivity, breakthrough capacity (BTC) and elution behaviour of various metal ions towards ZrDETPMP, a few binary and ternary metal ions separations have been carried out.