Ion - exchange properties of tungstocerate (IV) gel matrices

Heteropolyacids and their salts have found a wide spread use in industry and nuclear applications. Some heteropolysolid matrices of Mo(VI) and W(VI) exhibit fairly good chemical stability towards high temperature and ionizing radiation as well as high selectivity to metal ions in mineral acid solutions. Tungstocerate(IV) gel matrices can be prepared in the form of granular particles suitable for packing into the form of chromatographic columns, which have found versatile applications in radiochemical separation, and concentration of radionuclides from aqueous solutions. The high mechanical stability of tungstocerate(IV) gel matrices is promising for use as the base matrix of chromatographic columns. The present study will include investigation of (ion exchange properties of tungstocerate(IV) gel matrices) as the following:1-Preparation of the tungstocerate(IV) gel matrices by mixing solutions of sodium tungstate with ammonium cerium sulfate.2-Characterization of the physical and chemical properties of the prepared gel matrix: stability in mineral acid solutions and their salts, density, crystallinity, infra-red spectra, thermal analysis, acidity, etc.3-Investigation of the selectivity patterns of the gel matrix for some radionuclides from aqueous solutions.4-Determination of the sorption capacity of the gel matrix for some metal cations from aqueous solutions.5-Applications of the gel matrix in radiochemical separation of mixture of radionuclides from each other, preparation of radioisotope generators and preconcentration of radionuclides from waste solutions