Removal of Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions by surfactant based cationic exchanger using cetylpyridinium chloride-cerium (IV) phosphate

Abstract

The surfactant-based organic–inorganic fibrous cation exchanger, cetylpyridinium chloride-cerium(IV) phosphate (CPC-CeP), has been synthesized and was characterized for its cationic exchange properties. The physicochemical methods such as Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction pattern, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric and differential thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA/DTG) CPC-CeP were used to characterize the newly synthesized material. The ion-exchange properties were studied through the usual column method. The cation-exchange capacity for CPC-CeP was 2.12 meq g⁻¹ for Na⁺ ions, and optimum concentration for NaNO₃ was 1.0 M for complete elution of H⁺ ions. CPC-CeP was found to be more stable thermally and mechanically as compared to CeP. The adsorption studies show that it is selective for Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions.

Keywords:

• Fibrous cation exchanger
• Ion exchange capacity
• Ce(IV) phosphate
• Cetylpyridinium chloride
• Adsorption studies

Acknowledgment

The author (Nazia Iqbal) is thankful to the CSIR, New Delhi for the award of the fellowship (No. 09/112(0496)/2K13-EMR-I). The authors (H.A. Al-Lohedan and M.Z.A. Rafiquee) extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Saud University for funding the work through the research group project No. RGP-148.