Some molecular-sieve peculiarities of natural zeolite of Georgia

Abstract

Ion exchange property of fibrous zeolite scolecite of Georgian origin has been studied against mono (Li, Na, NH4, K Cs and Rb), divalent (Sr, Ba Ca, Mg) and transition (Cd, Cu, Mn, Zn, Co and Ni) metal cations. Selectivity series of the above cations for scolecite have been compiled. The structure of scolecite, charge and sizeof the cations (both in hydrated and dehydrated state) and cation concentration in the solution (0.1N, 0.3N, 0.5N 1.0N and 1.5N) greatly influence on the ion-exchange property and selectivity order of scolecite. Dynamic Exchange Capacity (DEC) values for the studied cations on scolecite have been calculated. Kinetics of ion exchange in dynamic conditions for the above cations has been studied. Analysis of the obtained data shows that the external diffusion processes have influence on the establishment of equilibrium between the ions on the surface and in the micro porous structure of scolesite. The time of dynamic exchange equilibrium is directly proportional to the cation radios.