Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) Zr(IV) phosphate composite cation exchanger : sol-gel synthesis and physicochemical characterization

An organic-inorganic composite cation exchanger poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) Zr(IV) phosphate was prepared by the sol-gel method for removal of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal pollutant causing adverse effects on human health. The synthesized material was characterized by various techniques such as thermo gravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis/differential thermo gravimetry (TGA/DTA/DTG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Organic polymer PEDOT:PSS binds with the inorganic counterpart and prevents the leaching of the inorganic parts, hence PEDOT:PSS Zr(IV) phosphate composite cation exchanger has improved ion exchange capacity than inorganic ion exchanger. The composite cation exchanger was found selective towards Cd(II) ions. The nature and composition of contacting solvents influence the selectivity of composite cation exchanger. The composite cation exchanger may be used for the removal of cadmium a toxic heavy metal ion.