Synthesis, Characterization and Analytical Applications of Antimony(III)Tungstophosphatean Inorganic Ion Exchange Material

A new three component inorganic ion exchange material [Antimony(III) tungstophosphate (ATP)] has been synthesized by adding a mixture of 0.1M sodium tungstate and 0.1M orthophosphoric acid to 0.1M antimony trichloride in different volume ratios at pH 0–1. Among several synthesized samples ATP-VII is selected for detailed study owing to its high ion exchange capacity. The material has been characterized on the basis of chemical stability, pH titration, distribution studies, thermal stability, I.R., X-Ray and TGA. The ion exchange capacity of the material for sodium ion has been found to be 0.63 meq g⁻¹of the dry exchanger. The ion exchange capacity varies and is found to be dependent on the hydrated radii of exchanging cations. The chemical stability of the material has been tested in acidic, neutral and basic media. The distribution behaviour has been studied for ten metal ions. Ion exchanger was found to be selective for lead. Binary separation and water softening were done on ion-exchanger column successfully.