Pectin based cerium (IV) and thorium (IV) phosphates as novel hybrid fibrous ion exchangers synthesis, characterization and thermal behaviour

Pectin based cerium (IV) and thorium (IV) phosphates have been synthesized as new phases of hybrid fibrous ion exchangers. Both materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction, infrared (IR) spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TG), differntial thermogravimetry (DTG), differntial thermal analysis (DTA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as the determination of their ion exchange capacity, elution and pH titration. The X-ray study reveals the amorphous nature of the materials, while SEM studies confirm the fibrous nature of the materials. The thermal studies of these materials indicate that both of them are highly stable on heating as they retain about 97% of their ion-exchange capacity (i.e.c.) on heating up to 100°C and about 81% on heating up to 200°C.