Triton X-100 based cerium(IV) phosphate as a new Hg(II) selective, surfactant based fibrous ion exchanger: Synthesis, characterization and adsorption behaviour

Triton X-100 based cerium(IV) phosphate (TX-100CeP) has been synthesized as a new phase of fibrous ion exchanger. It has been characterized using IR, X-ray, SEM, TGA/DTA and elemental analysis in addition to its ion exchange studies such as ion exchange capacity, elution, concentration and thermal behaviour. Its adsorption behaviour has also been studied for some alkaline earths and heavy metal ions in different acidic media. On this basis, the material has been found to be selective for Hg(II), a toxic heavy metal ion. Hence, some binary separations of Hg(II) from other metal ions have been performed on its column, exploring its potential in environmental studies.