Pyridine based zirconium(IV) and tin(IV) phosphates as new and novel intercalated ion exchangers

Pyridine based zirconium(IV) phosphate (PyZrP) and tin(IV) phosphate (PySnP) have been synthesized as new and novel intercalated ion exchangers. These materials have been characterized using X-ray, IR spectra, TG, DTG and DTA studies in addition to their ion exchange capacity, elution, pH titration, concentration and distribution behaviour. The distribution studies towards several metal ions in different media/concentrations have suggested that PyZrP and PySnP are selective for Hg(II) and Pb(II), respectively. As a consequence some binary separations of metal ions involving Hg(II) and Pb(II) ions have been performed on a column of these materials, demonstrating their analytical and environmental potential.