Ion Exchanger-Solvent Interactions: Properties and Methodology

I. INTRODUCTION

The phenomenon of ion exchange has been scientifically recognized since the middle of the 19th century.^1,2 Many of these early scientific investigations were carried out with naturally occurring clays and minerals, such as the zeolites. The zeolites which attracted most of the attention contain alumino-silicate skeletons with exchangeable alkali metal or alkaline earth cations. Artificial silicates were also prepared and successfully used.