THE INFLUENCE OF STRUCTURE ON BA AND K-UPTAKE BY A SYNTHETIC PHYLLOMANGANATE

The uptake of Ba2+ and K+ by a synthetic Na-phyllomanganate has been studied by chemical analysis, X-ray diffractometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The changes in basal spacing arising from cation exchange have been used to monitor the progress of the exchange reaction and confirm the selectivity measured by bulk chemical analysis. However, the selective uptake of Ba2+ over Ca2+ is much greater than that of K+ over Na+ and it is suggested that charge distribution in the interlayer is important. The results are discussed in the light of recent advances in our understanding of the phyllomanganate structure.