Ion exchange isotherms in solid: electrolyte solution systems

Abstract

It is shown show that the ion exchange isotherms and the law of mass action are equivalent, the c/a versus c functions can be derived from the law of mass action (c and a: the concentration of ions in ion exchanger and solution, respectively). The equations are applied for cation exchange processes of bentonite clay (cobalt, manganese, mercury ions with calcium-bentonite; strontium ions with sodium-bentonite; cesium ions with lanthanide bentonite; lutetium ion with calcium-bentonite). The linear or non-linear shape of the isotherms does not prove the heterogeneity of the ion exchanger or the interaction among the sorbed cations.