Synthesis and characterization of a new phase of titanium phosphate and its application in separation of metal ions

Abstract

Amorphous Titanium Phosphate (TiP), an inorganic ion exchanger of the class of tetravalent metal acid (tma) salts has been synthesized by sol-gel method. TiP has been characterized by elemental analysis (ICP-AES), spectral analysis (FT-IR), thermal analysis (TGA and DSC) and X-ray diffraction studies. Chemical resistivity of the material has been assessed in various media- acids, bases and organic solvents. The Na ⁺ ion exchange capacity (IEC) has been determined and effect of heating on IEC studied. The distribution and elution behaviour of TiP towards several metal ions has been studied in different electrolyte media/concentrations. Based on the distribution studies a few binary metal ion separations have been achieved.