Abstract
A new inorganic ion exchanger zinc silicate has been synthesized. Its properties such as ion exchange capacity, heat effect and stability etc. have been studied. Sorption of PAN over zinc silicate formed a chelate ion exchanger which showed greater selectivity for some metal ions especially for Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Fe3+, Ag+, Ag3+ and Pt4+. Selectivity has been determined on the basis of distribution coefficients of these metal ions. Separations of Pt(IV) from Fe(III), Au(III) from Fe(III), Ag(I) from Cu(II) and Au(III) from Cu(II) have been reported. The recovery of Pt(IV) and Au(III) from dilute solutions has also been studied.