Cerium (IV) molybdate cation exchanger: Synthesis, properties and ion separation capabilities

A description of the preparation and properties of an H+ form of cerium (IV) molybdate ion exchanger prepared at different pH values is given. The material was characterized by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) elemental analysis, IR spectrometry and thermo-gravimetry and titration curve analysis; its composition was found to be Ce(OH)2(HMoO4)2·nH2O. It was also observed that the exchange capacity of the ion exchanger depends upon the pH value of the ceric solutions used and its value was lowered after gamma irradiation. Furthermore, the absorption of 99Mo and the distribution coefficient of this ion exchanger for Mg(II), Ba(II), Ca(II), Ni(II), Mo(VI), Cr(VI) and Th(IV) were investigated. It was found that cerium (IV) molybdate had the highest absorption for Th(IV) and Ba(II), while Mg(II) and Ca(II) showed the lowest absorption, respectively. Finally, gamma irradiation, in general, lowered the absorption of the cations being investigated in this study.