Thermodynamics of the Exchange Processes between K+, Ca2+ and Cr3+ in Zeolite NaA

In this paper it was analyzed the ion exchange isotherm of K⁺, Ca²⁺ and also Cr³⁺ ions with NaA zeolites at three temperatures: 30, 45 and 60°C. The NaA isotherms were favorable for the metal cations studied. Differences in shape are due to the different influence of temperature in the interaction of the in-going cation with the zeolite framework. As a consequence, sites of different energies were used in the exchange process, which provided non linear Kielland plots. Equilibrium constant, standard free energy, enthalpy and enthopy changes were measured and tabulated. Equilibrium constant is directly proportional to the in-going ion charge. Concerning enthalpy, endothermic and exothermic exchanges were observed due to differences in the cation-framework interaction. The selectivity order based on the standard free energy over the entire temperature range was K⁺ < Cr³⁺ < Ca²⁺, a consequence of different ion exchange mechanisms. It was also noted that the entropy change increases with the polarizibility of the cations.