Equilibrium and kinetics of ion exchange on inorganic sorbent of zirconium hydroxide type

The equilibrium of exchange and kinetics of sorption of Li+, Na+, K+ and Rb+ cations from alkaline solutions have been studied on a mineral amphoteric sorbent (a mixture of Zr, Fe and Sn hydroxides). The selectivity varies in the series of Li+ > Na+ > K+ > Rb+, in accordance with the hypothesis on the sorption of ions in a non-hydrated state. Measurements of the porous structure characterictics suggest that the sorption occurs on the solid phase surface