Abstract
The surfactant-based organic-inorganic fibrous cation exchanger, cetylpyridinium chloride-cerium(IV) phosphate (CPC-CeP), has been synthesized and was characterized for its cationic exchange properties. The physicochemical methods such as Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction pattern, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric and differential thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA/DTG) CPC-CeP were used to characterize the newly synthesized material. The ion-exchange properties were studied through the usual column method. The cation-exchange capacity for CPC-CeP was 2.12meqg(-1) for Na+ ions, and optimum concentration for NaNO3 was 1.0M for complete elution of H+ ions. CPC-CeP was found to be more stable thermally and mechanically as compared to CeP. The adsorption studies show that it is selective for Pb2+ and Cu2+ ions.