Immobilization of Quaternary Ammonium Anion Exchangers in Sol-Gel Glasses

Abstract

Abstract A procedure to immobilize quaternary ammonium salts in solid silica supports is described. The process is based on the doping of sol-gel glasses by organic anion-exchange compounds during the polymerization of the glasses. Sol-gel glasses doped with Aliquat 336, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, or cetylpyridinium bromide may serve as solid anion exchangers, exhibiting selectivity properties similar to strong base ion exchangers. This process provides a simple method for the preparation of silica-based ion exchangers. This process provides a simple method for the preparation of silica-based ion exchangers.