Synthesis, characterization and ion exchange properties of zirconium(IV) triethylammonium phosphate

A new inorganic ion exchanger based on zirconium (IV) triethylammonium phosphate (ZTEAP) has been synthesized by mixing solutions of ZrOCl2 and (C2H5)3NH.H2PO4 in different molar ratios. On the basis of higher ion exchange capacity and good appearance, sample ZTEAP5 has been chosen for detailed studies, such as chemical stability, chemical analysis, pH titration and IR analysis. Distribution coefficients of 16 metal ions have been determined in water, buffer solutions (ph 2, 4 and 6) and 0.1 mol dm-3 solutions of sodium nitrate and nitric acid. On the basis of difference in Kd values, some analytically important separations of metal ions have been achieved on small column of zirconium (IV) triethylammonium phosphate. (author)