Ion exchange studies of cerium (III) on uranium antimonate

Ion exchange of cerium on uranium antimonate (USb) from nitric acid medium was studied. The distribution coefficient of ∼19,000 mL/g was obtained for ion exchange of cerium in 0.1 M nitric acid and it decreased with increase in the concentration of nitric acid. Rapid ion exchange of cerium in the initial stages of equilibration followed by the establishment of equilibrium occurs after one hour. Ion exchange data were fitted into both Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models using non-linear regression. The enthalpy change accompanied by ion exchange of cerium was determined by the temperature variation method. The performance of the ion exchanger under dynamic condition was assessed by following a breakthrough (BT) curve and the BT curve was fitted using Thomas equation. (author)