Organic–inorganic type composite cation exchanger poly-o-toluidine Zr(IV) tungstate: Preparation, physicochemical characterization and its analytical application in separation of heavy metals

Organic–inorganic type composite cation-exchanger poly-o-toluidine Zr(IV) tungstate was chemically prepared. The physico-chemical properties of the material were studied using FTIR, TGA, X-ray, SEM and EDX studies. The material was also characterized for its ion exchange properties to study its cation exchange behavior. It was observed that the material is thermally stable and possessed fast elution of exchangeable H+ ions. On the basis of Kd values, it was found highly selective for Hg(II) heavy toxic metal. The selectivity of this material for various metal ions varied depending upon the composition of eluting solvent. On the basis of selectivity studies, some important binary separations were also achieved to explore the potential application of this composite cation exchanger in environmental analysis of toxic heavy metals.

• A new composite ion exchanger poly-o-toluidine Zr(IV) tungstate was synthesized.
• The physico-chemical properties of the material were studied using FTIR, TGA, X-ray, SEM and EDX studies.
• The addition of poly-o-toluidine enhanced the ion exchange capacity and thermal stability of poly-o-toluidine Zr(IV) tungstate.
• Poly-o-toluidine Zr(IV) tungstate showed high selectivity for Hg2+ and Pb2+ metal ions.
• The prepared ion exchanger proved to be the good candidate for the removal of heavy toxic metal ions from wastewater.