Synthesis and ion-exchange properties of cerium(IV) molybdate

The synthesis, ion exchange properties, and the separation of a number of cation pairs on the columns of cerium (IV) molybdate is discussed. In order to obtain the product in gel form showing a high exchange capacity and suitable for column operation, preliminary experiments were performed to determine the optimum conditions of precipitation, i.e., the concentration of ceric and molybdate solutions, mixing ratio, pH of precipitation and the order of mixing. Cerium (IV) molybdate, prepared under the optimum conditions of concentration, acidity etc., shows exchange capacity of 0.96 meg per g of exchanger. The sorption of a large number of metal ions has been investigated and the compound shows promising behaviour as cation exchanger. Numerous separations of analytical and radiochemical interest have been performed on the column of this exchanger with great efficiency. (T.G.)