Individual Cations Research Articles

Untangling individual cation roles in rock salt high-entropy oxides

We unravel the distinct role each cation plays in phase evolution, stability, and properties within the Mg1/5Co1/5Ni1/5Cu1/5Zn1/5O high-entropy oxide (HEO) by integrating experimental findings, thermodynamic analyses, and first-principles predictions. Our approach is through sequentially removing one cation at a time from the five-component high-entropy oxide to create five four-component derivatives. Bulk synthesis experiments indicate that Mg, Ni, and Co act as rock salt phase stabilizers whereas only Mg and Ni enthalpically enhance single-phase rock salt stability in thin film growth; synthesis conditions dictate whether Co is a rock salt phase stabilizer or destabilizer. By examining the competing phases and oxidation state preferences using pseudo-binary phase diagrams and first-principles calculations, we resolve the stability differences between bulk and thin film for all compositions. We systematically explore HEO macroscopic property sensitivity to cation selection employing both predicted and measured optical spectra. This study establishes a framework for understanding high-entropy oxide synthesizability and properties on a per-cation basis that is broadly applicable to tailoring functional property design in other high-entropy materials.

Influence of salts on the protein composition and functionality of gluten

Different salts were added to gluten to investigate the effects of different cations on a fully developed gluten network. The chloride salts KCl, NaCl, MgCl2, CaCl2 were mixed with pre-isolated wet gluten in a low and high dose, and the gluten was dried at 40 °C and 80 °C to yield vital gluten. The impact of the individual cations on the gluten protein composition and functionality was determined by analysis of chemical and rheological properties of vital and wet gluten. All cations influenced the gluten protein composition and the rheological behaviour. While the observed changes could not be attributed to the order of the Hofmeister series, monovalent, kosmotropic cations K+ and Na+ and divalent, chaotropic cations Mg2+ and Ca2+ showed similar behaviour in terms of protein composition and functional properties. Salts therefore have an influence on the gluten protein composition of a fully developed gluten network and gluten protein composition and functionality can be altered by an after-treatment process in a targeted way.

Structure and magnetism of DyIII2 based triple-stranded helicates derived from dinucleating Schiff base ligands

We report herein the synthesis of three dinuclear DyIII helicates, [DyIII2(H2LR)3](NO3)3·xH2O (1–3, R = Me, Cl, Br), by reacting Dy(NO3)3·5H2O and three closely related Schiff bases derived from 3-Hydroxy-2-naphthohydrazide and three different 2,6-diformylphenols. Single crystal X-ray structural characterization revealed that all these complexes are isostructural and composed of complex cations of general formula [DyIII2(H2LR)3]3+, in which three monoanionic Schiff base ligands are wrapped around two DyIII centers, leading to triple-stranded helical structures. Notably, the configuration of monoanionic H2LR ligands imparts a coordination-induced chirality on individual complex cation, and the presence of equivalent amounts of enantiopure Λ and Δ complex cations made the solid products as racemic mixtures, crystalizing in the centrosymmetrical space groups. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements have been performed in the temperature range 2 − 300 K for a representative complex 2, and AC susceptibility studies further disclose the slow relaxation of magnetization in 2, characteristics for single-molecule magnets.

Cations and Anions Affect the Speed of Sound in Water Oppositely.

Identifying the composition of a solution using acoustics remains a challenge. It is known that for low salt concentrations the speed of sound in water increases linearly with the concentration of the electrolyte, but the contribution of individual cations and anions is unknown. We introduce the concept of intrinsic sound speed Ai to quantify the contribution of ions to the speed of sound. We found that cations increase the speed of sound in water whereas anions decrease the speed of sound. Hydration layers around the ions play a major role. Because cations have a hydration layer thicker than that of anions, their contribution to the speed of sound is larger than that of anions. Experimental data on salts not used to determine the contribution of individual ions are in quantitative agreement with the predicted values. Our method can be applied to various systems containing small quantities of ions, molecules, or particles. With the knowledge that cations increase the speed of sound, we were able to explain previously unexplained data in the literature.

Response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) to foliar wetting with low pH mine waters containing acid-generating metal cations

Acid mine drainage (AMD) contains metals that have detrimental effects on crop growth if present in excess in plant-available form. The use of untreated AMD from coal mines for crop irrigation on strategically limed soils is considered a potential option for mine water management, especially in remote areas without access to water treatment infrastructure. However, leaf scorching and trace element enrichment of plant tissue are of potential concern, as these waters often contain high concentrations of potentially toxic, acid-generating metals (Al3+, Fe2+ and Mn2+) which may cause foliar damage and hyper-accumulate in plant tissue. The objectives of this trial were to quantify any foliar injury and metal accumulation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) vegetative material after foliar wetting with simulated AMD enriched with metal cations, and to ascertain if biomass production will be affected. In this trial, crop water requirements were not met through mine water irrigation, as this was only a foliar wetting investigation. Two pot experiments were set up, with wheat grown in the winter and cowpea in the summer season of 2021. Sulphuric acid was used to lower pH to 2, after the addition of low, intermediate and high concentrations of individual acid-generating metal cations, as well as a combination of all three cations. Areal foliar injury was greatest for cowpea (18.7%) with a combination of Al, Fe and Mn at the highest concentration. The crop was not able to recover at this injury level. No injury was recorded in wheat. Both crops accumulated only limited quantities of the metal cations. Calculated hazard quotient for cattle ranged from 0.022 to 0.53, indicating that such fodder would be safe to consume. It is concluded that there are large differences in crop specie susceptibility to leaf scorching after foliar wetting with acidic metal cation-rich mine waters. It is recommended, therefore, that because large volumes of mine water need to be managed, and centre pivot overhead irrigation is likely to be utilized to this end, that studies to screen more species to select crops tolerant to scorching through foliage wetting with mine water irrigation be conducted. Thereafter, studies to better understand root zone effects of irrigation with such waters need to be conducted on species that can tolerate foliar wetting with these waters.

Identifying biochar production variables to maximise exchangeable cations and increase nutrient availability in soils

Biochar is a product of the thermal treatment of sustainably sourced organics or waste biomass, which enhances nutrient availability and exchangeable cations after soil application. Biochar feedstock is one of the primary factors influencing the availability of exchangeable cations in biochar and soil-biochar mix. However, this influence is not satisfactorily understood due to contrasting data among literature for the cation exchange capacity (CEC) and the lack of standard analysis methods for CEC of biochar and soil-biochar mixtures. Therefore, this research was conducted to assess cation exchange in contrasting soil-biochar mixes, where CEC is measured as (1) the sum of base cations (Na+, K+, Mg 2+, and Ca2+) displaced by ammonium acetate (CEC-BC) and (2) NH4+ displaced by potassium chloride (CEC-NH4+). For the first time, we have evaluated CEC-BC and CEC-NH4+ in 21 different biochar samples using a modified method. We then used 12 representative biochars with 3 soil types (2% w/w biochar) and provided insights on relative changes in CEC-BC and individual base cations. Some previous studies have indicated a relationship between CEC and surface area and a degree of additivity in the resulting CEC of soil-biochar mixes. However, our study demonstrates an absence of these correlations and a lack of additivity in the representative biochar products. We found that biochar prepared from mixed garden wastes can increase K+ or Ca2+ in loamy or sandy soils and mitigate potential soil sodicity problems in loamy soils. However, a clayey soil may or may not need biochar for the specific purpose of increasing exchangeable cations. Our results revealed that biochar prepared from hardwood or mixed garden waste can retain NH4+ and deliver it to soil acting as a sink and source for soil nutrients.

Unraveling the Influences of Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, and Calcium on the Crystallization Behavior of Lactose.

The inability of lactose to properly crystallize due to the presence of high amounts of salts poses significant hurdles for its downstream processing with some dairy waste streams such as acid whey. This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical and thermal behaviors of lactose in the presence of cations commonly present in acid whey. A model-based study was conducted, utilizing various cations (Mg, Ca, K, and Na) at concentrations (8, 30, 38, and 22 mM, respectively) that are typically found in acid whey. The research experiments were conducted using a factorial design. The thermal analysis of concentrated solutions revealed augmentation in the enthalpy of water evaporation in the presence of individual cations and their combinations in comparison with pure lactose (698.4 J/g). The degree of enthalpy increased following the order of Na+ (918.6 J/g), K+ (936.6 J/g), Mg2+ (987.0 J/g), Ca2+ (993.2 J/g), and their mixture (1005.4 J/g). This resulted in a substantial crystal yield decline in the exactly reversed order to that of the enthalpy. The greatest decline was observed in the presence of the salt mixture (63%) followed by Ca (67%) compared with pure lactose (79%). The yield reduction was also inversely related to the solubility of lactose. The presence of divalent cations appeared to play a role in the isomerization of lactose molecules observed using DSC and XRD diffractograms according to the disappearance of peaks related to β lactose. The effect of salts on the crystallization of lactose was a combination of cation-lactose interactions, changes in the solubility of lactose, ion-dipole interactions between water and cations, and changes in the structure of water molecules. By deviating the composition of acid whey, the crystallization of lactose can be enhanced, leading to the improved downstream processing of acid whey.

In situ synthesis of extremely small, thermally stable perovskite nanocatalysts for high-temperature electrochemical energy devices

High-temperature solid oxide cells (SOCs) offer one of the most efficient and versatile routes for producing electric power and H2. However, the practical use of nanomaterials in SOCs has been limited by their lack of thermal stability. In this study, we present an infiltration technique that enables the in situ synthesis of extremely small, thermally stable perovskite (Sm0.5Sr0.5)CoO3 nanocatalysts on the inner surface of porous SOC electrodes. We identified certain impurity phases, such as SrCO3, that cause fatal degradation and eliminated them using a rational complexation strategy optimized for individual constituent cations. Consequently, we fabricated ∼ 20 nm diameter, highly pure, single-phase nanocatalysts that achieved more than double the performance of a cell with standard (La,Sr)(Co,Fe)O3– and (La,Sr)CoO3-based air electrode. The cells stably operated during long-term tests in both the power generation and H2 production modes, with negligible degradation. Furthermore, we successfully scaled up this process to fabricate large-scale commercial cells using a fully automated process. The key findings of this study will resolve critical barriers with high-temperature nanomaterials and accelerate the commercialization of SOC technology.

Sorption of ionic liquids in soil enriched with polystyrene microplastic reveals independent behavior of cations and anions

Recently, much attention has been focused on the application of the Ionic Liquids (ILs) with herbicidal activity in agriculture. It has been suggested that through the appropriate selection of cations and anions, one can adjust the properties of ILs, particularly the hydrophobicity, solubility, bioavailability, toxicity. In practical agricultural conditions, it will be beneficial to reduce the mobility of herbicidal anions, such as the commonly applied 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid [2,4-D] in the soil. Furthermore, microplastics are becoming increasingly prevalent in the soil, potentially stimulating herbicidal sorption. Therefore, we investigated whether cations in ILs influence the mobility of anions in OECD soil supplemented with polystyrene microplastic (PS). For this purpose, we used the 2,4-D based ILs consisting of: a hydrophilic choline cation [Chol][2,4-D] and a hydrophobic choline cation with a C12chain [C12Chol][2,4-D]. Characterization of selected micropolystyrene was carried out using the BET sorption-desorption isotherm, particle size distribution and changes in soil sorption parameters such as soil sorption capacity and cation exchange capacity. Based on the batch sorption experiment, the effect of microplastic on the sorption of individual cations and anions in soil contaminated with micropolystyrene was evaluated. The results obtained indicate that the introduction of a 1–10% (w/w) PS resulted in an 18–23% increase of the soil sorption capacity. However, the sorption of both ILs’ cations increased only by 3–5%. No sorption of the [2,4-D] anion was noted. This suggests that cations and anions forming ILs, behave independently of each other in the environment.The results indicate the fact that ILs upon introduction into the environment are not a new type of emerging contaminant, but rather a typical mixture of ions. It is worth noting that when analyzing the behavior of ILs in the environment, it is necessary to follow the fate of both cations and anions.

Acetaminophen and trimethoprim batch and fixed-bed sorption on MgO/Al2O3-modified rice husk biochar

Pharmaceuticals’ ubiquitous presence in surface and groundwater from their increased consumption and inefficient conventional wastewater treatment removal, poses a threat to flora and fauna. Pyrolyzed co-precipitated Mg/Al oxides (3:1) on rice husk biochar surfaces (MgO/Al2O3-BC700) were prepared to treat aqueous acetaminophen and trimethoprim contamination. This adsorbent, characterized for proximate and elemental compositions, crystallinity, surface area, morphology, zero-point charge and functional groups, had a higher surface area (419 m2/g) and pore volume (0.132 cm3/g) than its pristine biochar BC700 analog (surface area 182 m2/g and pore volume 0.062 cm3/g). Hybrid multiphase MgO/Al2O3-BC700 easily adsorbed aqueous acetaminophen and trimethoprim (∼8 h equilibrium) with capacities of 69.7–137.4 mg/g and 54.2–269 mg/g, respectively. It has excellent sorption efficiency at significant ionic strengths (10–50 mM KCl), with competing individual anions (Cl−, CO32−, HCO3−, SO42−) and cations (Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, Al3+) and with anionic mixtures and cationic mixtures at 0.1, 1.0 and 10 mM concentrations. Column studies for both pharmaceuticals were conducted, and key sorption parameters (EBCT, column capacity, adsorbent use rate, and % saturation) were calculated. Spent MgO/Al2O3-BC700 was regenerated using optimized concentrations of EDTA, HCl, H2SO4, ethanol, and methanol. Regeneration was performed after 3-consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles. Thorough characterization and spectroscopic investigations suggested potential sorption interactions.

Sorption purification of acid storage facility water from iron and titanium on organic polymeric materials

Obtaining and production of metals from natural raw materials causes a large amount of liquid, solid, and gaseous wastes of various hazard classes that have a negative impact on the environment. In the production of titanium dioxide from ilmenite concentrate, hydrolytic sulphuric acid is formed, which includes various metal cations, their main part is iron (III) and titanium (IV) cations. Hydrolytic acid waste is sent to acid storage facilities, which have a high environmental load. The article describes the technology of ion exchange wastewater treatment of acid storage facility from iron (III) and titanium (IV) cations, which form compounds with sulphate ions and components of organic waste in acidic environments. These compounds are subjected to dispersion and dust loss during the evaporation of a water technogenic facility, especially in summer season. Sorption of complex iron (III) cations [FeSO4]+ and titanyl cations TiO2+ from sulphuric acid solutions on cation exchange resins KU-2-8, Puromet MTS9580, and Puromet MTS9560 was studied. Sorption isotherms were obtained both for individual [FeSO4]+ and TiO2+ cations and in the joint presence. The values of the equilibrium constants at a temperature of 298 K and the changes in the Gibbs energy are estimated. The capacitive characteristics of the sorbent were determined for individual cations and in the joint presence.

Metal interactions of α-synuclein probed by NMR amide-proton exchange.

The aberrant aggregation of α-synuclein (αS), a disordered protein primarily expressed in neuronal cells, is strongly associated with the underlying mechanisms of Parkinson's disease. It is now established that αS has a weak affinity for metal ions and that these interactions alter its conformational properties by generally promoting self-assembly into amyloids. Here, we characterised the nature of the conformational changes associated with metal binding by αS using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to measure the exchange of the backbone amide protons at a residue specific resolution. We complemented these experiments with 15N relaxation and chemical shift perturbations to obtain a comprehensive map of the interaction between αS and divalent (Ca2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+) and monovalent (Cu+) metal ions. The data identified specific effects that the individual cations exert on the conformational properties of αS. In particular, binding to calcium and zinc generated a reduction of the protection factors in the C-terminal region of the protein, whereas both Cu(II) and Cu(I) did not alter the amide proton exchange along the αS sequence. Changes in the R2/R1 ratios from 15N relaxation experiments were, however, detected as a result of the interaction between αS and Cu+ or Zn2+, indicating that binding to these metals induces conformational perturbations in distinctive regions of the protein. Collectively our data suggest that multiple mechanisms of enhanced αS aggregation are associated with the binding of the analysed metals.

Unveiling the Roles of Trace Fe and F Co-doped into High-Ni Li-Rich Layered Oxides in Performance Improvement

High-Ni Li-rich layered oxides (HNLOs) derived from Li-rich Mn-based layered oxides (LRMLOs) can effectively mitigate the voltage decay of LRMLOs but normally suffered from decreased capacity and cycling stability. Herein, an effective, simple, and up-scalable co-doping strategy of trace Fe and F ions via a facile expanded graphite template-sacrificed approach was proposed for improving the performance of HNLOs. The trace Fe and F co-doping can far more effectively improve both its rate capability and cycling stability in a synergistic manner compared to the introduction of individual Fe cations and F anions. The co-doping of Fe and F increased the Li-O bonds by a magnitude far larger than the summation of the increments by their individual doping, quite favorable for the performance. The trace Fe doping can escalate the capacity and enhance the rate capability significantly by increasing the components of lower valence transition metals to activate their redox reactions more effectively and improving both the electronic and ionic conduction. In contrast, trace F can improve the cycling stability remarkably by lowering the O 2p band top to suppress the lattice oxygen escape effectively which were revealed by density functional theory calculations. The co-doped cathode exhibited excellent cycling stability with a superior capacity retention of 90% after 200 cycles at 1 C, much higher than 64% for the pristine sample. This study offers an idea for synergistically improving the performance of Li-rich layered oxides by co-doping trace Fe cations and F anions simultaneously, which play a complementary role in performance improvement.

Unraveling energy storage behavior of independent ions in carbon electrode for supercapacitors by polymeric ionic liquids and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance

A fundamental understanding of the charge storage mechanism of electrochemical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) requires an in-depth storage behavior investigation of independent ions (individual cations or anions) on the electrode surface. The direct in-situ observation for energy storage behavior of individual ions under realistic conditions remains challenge. Herein, in-situ monitoring the energy storage behavior of independent ions is realized with assistance of polymeric ionic liquids skillfully. Triangle cyclic voltammogram (CV) curves indicate that polymeric imidazole cations PVBIm+ with huge size cannot enter the active carbon pores upon charging, whereas only free anions can. The CV and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) simultaneously detect ion adsorption/desorption during charging. It’s proposed that ion adsorption/desorption is governed by electrostatic attraction and repulsion of charged particles. PVBIm+ are adsorbed on the electrode surface due to ion adsorption mechanism during the negative polarization and have a small capacity contribution. Free anions contribute capacitance, their number entering the pore is determined by the interaction between polycaions and anions. Moreover, PVBIm(0.1)+ with higher polymerization degree may promote desorption of polycations and prevent further adsorption of anions at higher potential in positive polarization. This work not only observes the charging behavior of independent ions, but also reveals the relevant charging mechanism through EQCM, paving the way for panorama of EDLC.

Probing the Na+/Li+‐ions Insertion Mechanism in an Aqueous Mixed‐Ion Rechargeable Batteries with NASICON‐NaTi2(PO4)3 Anode and Olivine‐LiFePO4 Cathode

AbstractAqueous rechargeable mixed‐ion batteries (ARMBs), where two types of ions shuttle between the cathode and anode, are an important alternative to conventional non‐aqueous electrolyte‐based rechargeable batteries. Herein, we present fundamental insights into the function of an ARMB comprising of NASICON‐based sodium titanium phosphate (NaTi2(PO4)3/NTP) and olivine‐based lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4/LFP) employed as the anode and cathode respectively in combination with mixed‐ion electrolytes, x‐M Li2SO4: y‐M Na2SO4 (x+y=1). Electrochemical and ex situ structural studies interestingly reveal a preferential Na+‐ion insertion into NTP, despite the presence of two different cations in the electrolyte. This is strongly supported by molecular dynamics simulations, which show a 1–2 orders higher diffusion coefficient for Na+‐ion than Li+‐ion in NTP. In contrast, co‐insertion of Li+ and Na+‐ions into LFP takes place when cycled in mixed‐ion electrolytes. We also show that batteries with mixed‐ion electrolytes perform better than electrolytes with individual cations.

Initializing film homogeneity to retard phase segregation for stable perovskite solar cells.

The mixtures of cations and anions used in hybrid halide perovskites for high-performance solar cells often undergo element and phase segregation, which limits device lifetime. We adapted Schelling's model of segregation to study individual cation migration and found that the initial film inhomogeneity accelerates materials degradation. We fabricated perovskite films (FA<i>_1-x</i>Cs<i>_x</i>PbI₃; where FA is formamidinium) through the addition of selenophene, which led to homogeneous cation distribution that retarded cation aggregation during materials processing and device operation. The resultant devices achieved enhanced efficiency and retained &gt;91% of their initial efficiency after 3190 hours at the maximum power point under 1 sun illumination. We also observe prolonged operational lifetime in devices with initially homogeneous FACsPb(Br_0.13I_0.87)₃ absorbers.

High‐entropy oxide: A future anode contender for lithium‐ion battery

AbstractRevolutionary changes in energy storage technology have put forward higher requirements on next‐generation anode materials for lithium‐ion battery. Recently, a new class of materials with complex stoichiometric ratios, high‐entropy oxide (HEO), has gradually emerging into sight and embracing the prosperity. The ideal elemental adjustability and attractive synergistic effect make HEO promising to break through the integrated performance bottleneck of conventional anodes and provide new impetus for the design and development of electrochemical energy storage materials. Here, the research progress of HEO anodes is comprehensively reviewed. The driving force behind phase stability, the role of individual cations, potential mechanisms for controlling properties, as well as state‐of‐the‐art synthetic strategies and modification approaches are critically evaluated. Finally, we envision the future prospects and related challenges in this field, which will bring some enlightening guidance and criteria for researchers to further unlock the mysteries of HEO anodes.image

Ag, Au, Pt, and Au-Pt nanoclusters in [N1114][C1SO3] ionic liquid: A molecular dynamics study

A comprehensive study of the solvation of nanoclusters in ionic liquids (ILs) can provide essential understanding needed for the development of various applications of materials based on such systems, such as solar cells, lithium batteries, and nanocluster synthesis. In this work, the solvation of (Au)147, (Pt)147, (Ag)147, (Au-Pt)147, and (Au-Pt)309 clusters in the ionic liquid 1-butyl-1,1,1-trimethylammonium methane sulfonate [N1114][C1SO3] at 300, 500, and 700 K at atmospheric pressure was studied using molecular dynamics simulations. In addition, some thermodynamic, structural, and dynamic properties of ILs and different metal clusters at different temperatures were investigated. Our results showed that the Pt and Au-Pt systems have higher solvation energies than the rest of the systems. The solvation energy of different clusters decreased by increasing the temperature and increased by increasing the size of nanocluster. There was not significant change in the structure of the nanoclusters in the IL at different temperatures. However, the structures become more spherical at highest temperature. The core–shell structure of (Au-Pt)309 nanocluster did not change in IL even at higher temperatures. Our results also indicated that the anions are in closer distances to the nanocluster surfaces than the cations which is in an agreement with the DLVO theory. The charge separation is not complete in the IL because we cannot observe the individual anions and cations shells around the nanoclusters. Our dynamics results also showed that the silver atoms show higher self-diffusion values and the Pt atoms show lower self-diffusion values than the other metals.

High entropy fluorides as conversion cathodes with tailorable electrochemical performance

With the recent development of high entropy materials, an alternative approach to develop advanced functional materials with distinctive properties that show improved values compared to conventional materials has been provided. The high entropy concept was later successfully transferred to metal fluorides and high entropy fluorides (HEFs) were successfully synthesized. Owing to their high theoretical specific capacities in energy storage applications, HEFs were utilized as cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and their underlying storage mechanisms were investigated. Instead of a step-by-step reduction of each individual metal cation, the HEFs seem to exhibit a single-step reduction process, indicating a solid solution compound instead of merely a mixture of different metal fluorides. It was also observed that the electrochemical behavior of the HEFs depends on each individual incorporated element. Therefore, by altering the elemental composition, new materials that exhibit improved electrochemical properties can be designed. Remarkably, HEFs with seven incorporated metal elements exhibited a better cycling stability as well as a lower hysteresis compared to binary metal fluorides. These findings offer new guidelines for material design and tailoring towards high performance LIBs.

Dynamic Potentiometry with an Ion-Selective Electrode: A Tool for Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Inorganic and Organic Cations

A study of the transient potential signals obtained with a cation-selective electrode based on an ion-exchanger was carried out for solutions of the following individual cations at different concentrations: H+, Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Mg2+, Ca2+, choline (Ch+), acetylcholine (AcCh+), and procaine (Pr+). Three different general types of transient signals were distinguished depending on the value of the selectivity coefficient of the corresponding ion. A principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on the signals, finding that the qualitative identification of the corresponding ion from the scores of two principal components is possible. The study was extended to the transient signals of solutions containing an analyte in the presence of an interfering ion. The PCA of the corresponding signal allows for the detection of the presence of interfering ions, thus avoiding biased results in the determination of the analyte. Moreover, the two principal components of the transient signals obtained for each of the ions at different concentrations allow for the construction of calibration graphs for the quantitative determination of the corresponding ion. All the transient signals obtained experimentally in this work can be reconstructed accurately from principal components and their corresponding scores.