Studies of Uni-Univalent Ion Exchange Reactions Using Strongly Acidic Cation Exchange Resin Amberlite IR-120

Abstract

The selectivity behaviour of ion exchange resin Amberlite IR-120 for inorganic cations like sodium and potassium was predicted on the basis of thermodynamic data. The equilibrium constant K values calculated for uni-univalent ion exchange reaction systems were observed to increase with rise in temperature, indicating endothermic ion exchange reactions. From the K values calculated at different temperatures the enthalpy values were calculated. The low enthalpy and higher K values for K+ ion ex- change reaction indicates more affinity of the resin for potassium ions as compared to that for sodium ions also in the solution. The technique used in the present experimental work will be useful in understanding the selectivity behav- iour of different ion exchange resins for ions in the solution. Although the ionic selectivity data for the ion exchange resins is readily available in the literature, it is expected that the informa- tion obtained from the actual experimental trials will be more helpful. The technique used in the present experimental work when applied to dif- ferent ion exchange resins will help in there characterization.