Effect of surfactants on the adsorption behaviour of tin(IV) phosphate, cation exchanger for alkaline earths and heavy metal ions

Adsorption studies have been carried out on a newly synthesized tin(IV) phosphate (SnP), a non-fibrous ion exchanger, for alkaline earths and heavy metal ions in different acidic media. Effect of anionic (SDS, SDBS), cationic (CTAB, DPC) and nonionic (TX-100) surfactants has also been studied on its adsorption behaviour. It has been observed that the micelles of anionic and cationic surfactants increase the adsorption of heavy metals [except Hg(II) in SDS] while adsorption of alkaline earths [except Sr(II) in CTAB] remains unaffected. The micelles of nonionic surfactants also increase the adsorption of alkaline earths and heavy metals. These studies indicate the potential of the material for the removal of ionic pollutant species from aqueous media effectively.