Synthesis and characterization of composite cation-exchange material and its application in removing toxic pollutants

Abstract

Polyaniline (PANI)-based composite cation-exchange material was synthesized under different experimental conditions by the incorporation of polyaniline into the matrices of inorganic precipitate. The experimental parameters such as concentration, mixing volume ratio, and pH were established for the synthesis of the material. The composite material exhibits improved ion-exchange capacity along with chemical and thermal stability. The distribution coefficient studies (Kd) of metal ions on the material were performed in diverse solvent systems. On the basis of Kd values, it is easy to determine the selectivity of the material. Some analytically important separations of heavy metal ions in synthetic and real mixtures were achieved on the columns of the composite cation-exchange material. Batch adsorption studies were carried out to study the effect of various parameters like effect of pH, initial concentration, and contact time.