Synthesis and characterization of a new phase of zirconium phosphate for the separation of metal ions

The tetravalent metal acid (TMA) salt amorphous zirconium phosphate (ZP), an inorganic ion exchanger, has been synthesized by sol-gel method. The material has been characterized by elemental analysis (ICP-AES), thermal analysis (TGA, DSC), FT-IR and X-ray diffraction studies. Chemical resistivity of the material in various media-acids, bases and organic solvents has been assessed. The Na⁺ ion exchange capacity (IEC) and the effect of heating on the IEC have been determined, and showed the distribution and elution behavior of ZP towards several metal ions in different electrolyte media/concentrations. Based on the distribution studies, a few binary metal ion separations have been achieved.