Sol-gel synthesis of carbonate-containing zirconium(IV) hydroxide and its sorption properties toward alkaline-earth elements

Carbonate-containing zirconium hydroxide with a CO₂ content of up to 0.5 mol per mole of ZrO₂ was prepared by the sol-gel procedure. The sorption power of the carbonate-containing zirconium(IV) hydroxide toward Sr²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ ions was studied. The effect of pH and electrolyte concentration on the sorption power was examined.