Preparation and characterization of zirconium (IV) molybdo tungsto vanado silicate as a novel inorganic ion exchanger in sorption of radionuclides.

A new mixed metal heteropoly anion-based cation exchanger Zr(IV) molybdo tungsto vanado silicate (ZMTVS) was prepared under varying conditions. The material was characterized by FTIR, X-ray diffraction, TGA-DTA and SEM techniques. Its ion exchange capacity (IEC) for K(+) was found to be 0.86 meq g(-1). Distribution coefficients (K(d)) values for 10 metal ions and three radioisotopes were determined. On the basis of K(d) values, two important and analytically difficult quantitative binary separations viz. Ni(II)-Co(II) and Ni(II)-Pb(II) were achieved on its column. Decontamination of aqueous nuclear waste solution was also studied.