Separation of mercury(II) using antimony(III) tungstovanadate as an inorganic ion exchanger

Studies on the synthesis, composition, ion exchange properties, effect of temperature, concentration of the electrolyte and pH titration curve have been carried out with a newly synthesized heteropolyacid ion exchanger, antimony(III) tungstovanadate. The ion exchanger has been used for binary separation of Hg(II) from Pb(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II). Distribution coefficients for eight metal ions have been determined. Six important binary separations ranging from 98-100% have been achieved on antimony(III) tungstovanadate columns. Since mercury(II) is not absorbed by the ion exchanger, it can be used for its separation from other metal ions.