Ion Selectivity Research Articles

Highly Anion-Conductive Viologen-Based Two-Dimensional Polymer Membranes as Nanopower Generators.

Two-dimensional polymers (2DPs) and their layer-stacked 2D covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs) membranes hold great potential for harvesting sustainable osmotic energy. The nascent research has yet to simultaneously achieve high ionic flux and selectivity, primarily due to inefficient ion transport dynamics. This is directly related to ultrasmall pore size (<3 nm), much smaller than the duple Debye length in the diluted electrolyte (6-20 nm), as well as low charge density (<4.5 mC m-2). Here, we introduce a π-conjugated viologen-based 2DP (V2DP) membrane possessing a large pore size of 4.5 nm, strategically enhancing the overlapping of the electric double layer, coupled with an exceptional positive surface charge density (~6 mC m-2). These characteristics enable the membrane to facilitate high anion flux while maintaining ideal selectivity. Notably, V2DP membranes realize an impressive current density of 5.5×103 A m-2, surpassing benchmarks set by previously reported nanofluidic membranes. In the practical application scenario involving the mixing of artificial seawater and river water, the V2DP membranes exhibit a considerable ion transference number of 0.70 towards Cl-, contributing to an outstanding power density of ~55 W m-2. Theoretical calculations reveal the important role of the large quantity of anion transport sites, which act as binding sites evenly located in the positively charged N-containing pyridine rings. These binding sites enable kinematic coupling and decoupling between anions and the V2DP skeleton, establishing a continuous Cl- ion transport pathway. This work demonstrates the great promise of large-area ultrathin 2DP membranes featuring highly organized charged ion transport networks when applied for osmotic energy conversion.

A Highly Sensitive and Selective Iron Ion Fluorescent Probe for Water‐Soluble Pillar[5]Arene

AbstractA novel d‐gluconamide‐functionalized water‐soluble pillar[5]arene (GWP5) was synthesized through a simple synthetic route. GWP5 showed a remarkable aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) with increasing concentration. This feature served as the basis for the construction of an AIE‐based sensor for fluorescence detection of Fe3+ with high sensitivity and selectivity, with a linear relationship between luminescence quenching and Fe3+ concentration observed from 0 to 20 µM, and a limit of detection of 7.84 × 10−9 M. This fluorescent probe could be applied to the detection of Fe3+ ions in real environmental water samples and in serum samples.

Selective ion channel adsorbents facilitate efficient and low environmental impact extraction of liquid lithium resources

As lithium is the cornerstone of green energy development, it is crucial to realize a low environmental impact and efficient lithium extraction process. Ion-sieve adsorption is the most widely used method to extract liquid lithium resources, but this method is only efficient under alkaline conditions for H+ and Mg2+ competing adsorption. Conventional methods are often accompanied by the consumption of quantities of alkali, the generation of solid waste, and the acidification of liquid lithium resources. To address these issues, a selective ion-channel adsorbent was constructed. The composition comprises an ion sieve adsorbent and an organic carrier with a zwitterionic quaternary ammonium base group. This group storages OH-in situ, hinders H+ diffusion, slows down Mg2+ diffusion, and accelerates Li+ diffusion by relying on the difference in binding energies, which reduces the competing adsorption and avoids acidification and solid waste generation. The saturated adsorption capacity (21.38mg/g) and selectivity of the adsorbent are 4.7 and 24 times higher than that of conventional ion-sieve adsorbent under neutral conditions respectively. The dosage of alkali is 1/256 of the traditional method, the effluent remains neutral and no solid waste is generated. This study presents an environmental and effective adsorbent for lithium extraction.

Selective Single-Atom Adsorption for Precision Separation of Lead Ions in Tap Water via Capacitive Deionization

Capacitive deionization (CDI) offers a cost-effective and low-energy method for selective removal of Pb2+ from drinking water. Modifying CDI electrode surfaces with functional groups presents a versatile approach to enhancing selective ion adsorption capacity. However, a comprehensive understanding of the selectivity and removal efficiency of Pb2+ among diverse functional groups remains unexplored. Here, we investigated the effects of different functional groups (-SH, -COOH, and -NH2) attached to the graphene oxide (GO) electrode surfaces on Pb2+ selectivity and removal efficiency. Surprisingly, GO-COOH demonstrated single-atom adsorption of Pb2+, displaying superior removal efficiency and selectivity compared with -SH and -NH2, although -SH possesses significant chelation capability for Pb2+. Both density functional theory (DFT) calculations and X-ray pair distribution function (PDF) analyses confirmed that Pb2+ exhibits a theoretically higher affinity to -COOH. This research deepens our understanding of the interactions between functional groups and heavy metal ions, enabling selective and rapid separation of target cations for water purification.

Assessment of salt-free electrodialysis metathesis: A novel process for brine management in brackish water desalination using monovalent selective ion exchange membranes

Since reverse osmosis (RO) is often limited to a water recovery of 70–85 %, implementing a secondary process like electrodialysis metathesis (EDM) to treat concentrate can increase system water recovery. This study explores salt-free electrodialysis metathesis (SF-EDM) as an alternative to conventional EDM to investigate its performance in the zero discharge desalination (ZDD) process. SF-EDM utilizes monovalent-selective ion exchange membranes, eliminating the need for sodium chloride (NaCl) as a substitution solution. This approach generates one diluate stream and two highly soluble concentrate streams enriched in calcium and sulfate, respectively. In this article, a series of lab-scale tests based on synthetic and real RO concentrate were performed to investigate how SF-EDM performs operating at high water recovery with a feedwater with high scaling potential. We critically analyze the performance in terms of salinity reduction, selectivity, and energy consumption. Results of the study show that without the addition of NaCl, the process was able to selectively separate sulfate and calcium into two concentrate streams achieve a salinity reduction of 93 % and a total system water recovery (RO and SF-EDM) of 90 %. A technoeconomic analysis found SF-EDM to be 80 % of the cost of conventional EDM making it a competitive technology for brackish water RO concentrate management.

Cation selectivity during flow electrode capacitive deionization

Efficient separation of specific ions from aqueous media is crucial for advanced water treatment and resource recovery. Flow electrode capacitive deionization (FCDI) offers potential for selective ion removal through continuous operation. This study evaluates the performance of selective cation separation using a commercial activated carbon slurry in a multi-ion solution of monovalent (Li+, Na+, K+) and bivalent (Ca2+, Mg2+) cations. We assess ion removal and cation selectivity under different operational parameters, such as applied potential, slurry flow rate, and feed water flow rate. Our data show that bivalent cations, namely Ca2+ and Mg2+, are preferentially removal due to their higher charge-to-size ratio, aligning with hydrated ion sizes. The highest separation rate was observed for Ca2+ (5.7 μg cm−2 min−1), and the lowest for Li+ (0.2 μg cm−2 min−1). At the highest applied voltage (1.2 V), charge efficiencies reached 70 %, with an energy consumption of 41 Wh mol−1 for nearly complete cation removal. Optimal conditions were identified with a slurry flow rate of 6 mL min−1, feed water flow rate of 2 mL min−1, activated carbon content of 10 mass%, 1 mass% carbon black, and a cell voltage of 1.2 V. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing operational parameters to enhance ion removal.

Pilot-scale capacitive deionization for water softening: Performance, energy consumption, and ion selectivity

Capacitive deionization (CDI) has emerged as an efficient process for hardness control than traditional water-softening technologies. However, few systematic studies have been conducted on water softening using pilot-scale CDI systems. For industrial applications, it is essential to investigate deionization performance, energy consumption, and selectivity for divalent cations through pilot-scale studies. In this study, we examined the deionization performance and energy consumption of a pilot-scale CDI process for effective water softening. The key operational variables analyzed were the applied voltage (200–300 V (i.e., 1.0–1.5 V per pair)), feed concentration (550–1250 mg/L), recovery ratio (50–80 %), flow rate (3–5 L/min), and adsorption/desorption time (80–180 s). Within this range, a high voltage, low feed concentration, low recovery ratio, high flow rate, and long adsorption/desorption times are advantageous for the total dissolved solids (TDS) removal ratio. In terms of energy efficiency, expressed as TDS removal per unit energy consumption, a low voltage, low feed concentration, low recovery ratio, fast flow rate, and long adsorption/desorption time are beneficial. Additionally, we investigated the selective removal of Ca2+ over Na+ under various operating conditions, as well as its impact on enhancing energy efficiency. The pilot CDI system achieved a Ca/Na selectivity coefficient of approximately 2.4 and it was analyzed to achieve up to 45 % energy-saving efficiency compared to nonselective systems (i.e., selectivity coefficient = 1). The results of this study are expected to provide valuable data for the application of CDI to water softening and hardness control processes.

How to Compare the Ion Selectivity of Smart Nanopores/ Membranes

How to Compare the Ion Selectivity of Smart Nanopores/ Membranes

Selective divalent/monovalent ion partitioning in cation exchange membranes

The selective partitioning of divalent and monovalent counterions through cation exchange membranes immersed in 2:1 and 1:1 binary salt solutions remains unclear, especially at the molecular level. We present a theoretical framework that quantifies these membranes’ sorption of divalent and monovalent ions, incorporating condensed and free variants to reconcile deviations from the ideal Donnan picture observed in published experimental data. This framework explores the membranes’ global and local selective ion sorption characteristics by assessing the effects of competitive ion condensations, where these counterions compete to bind to the fixed charge groups. First, we calculate the thermodynamic property—the global partition ratio—of the membranes immersed in these binary salt solutions, quantifying the partitioning between the binary salt solutions and the membranes. Our theoretical results successfully capture the published experimental partitioning data for membranes immersed in equimolar and non-equimolar 2:1 and 1:1 binary salt solutions. Furthermore, the Donnan potential of the membranes reciprocally changes with the total concentration of 2:1 and 1:1 external salt solutions. However, for the non-equimolar systems at a constant low total concentration, varying the binary solution concentration ratio of 2:1 to 1:1 salts maintains a strong electric potential intensity due to high ionic imbalance. Second, we quantify the local partitioning of the sorbed counterions that are condensed on the crosslinked polymeric chains and those that are mobile in the interstitial solution of the membrane, a variable that is difficult to access experimentally. Accordingly, we can fractionate the sorbed ions into condensed and free states, which mutually govern the membrane’s kinetic and thermodynamic (global and local partitioning) properties.

PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYMER INCLUSION MEMBRANES BASED ON BIODEGRADABLE CELLULOSE/ALGERIAN CLAY FOR HEAVY METALS REMOVAL FROM WASTEWATER

Separation membranes have gained attention as promising options for water and wastewater treatment due to their financial sustainability, and eco-friendliness. However, practical challenges have limited their application in water separation. To overcome these limitations, inorganic-organic hybrid membranes have been developed in this study. The present work deals with two attractive aspects: (i) economical, through the valorization of a local clay (Algerian kaolin), and (ii) environmental, which is based on the membrane selectivity for metal ions. The principal objective of this work is the development of enhanced nanocomposite membranes. It is achieved with low costs, based on cellulose triacetate (CTA) as a polymeric matrix modified by the addition of a lamellar filler, i.e. yellow clay obtained from Jijel, located in the east of Algeria, and plasticized by dioctyl phthalate (DOP). A further objective of this paper was the treatment of wastewater polluted by lead (Pb2+) and cadmium (Cd2+). The prepared membranes were characterized by various characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). All synthetized membranes had an amorphous structure, with homogeneous pore morphology and distribution. Moreover, the presence of nanocomposite clay showed effective integration into the membrane matrix and led to a significant improvement in thermal resistance. These membranes were applied to treat a synthetic aqueous solution contaminated with heavy metals, namely Pb2+ and Cd2+. The results revealed a rejection rate higher than 50%, suggesting the potential effectiveness of a stable and environmentally sustainable polymer inclusion membrane system for water purification.

A Novel Sulfonated Polyimide Composite Membrane Containing a Sulfonated Porous Material for All-Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries.

To improve the battery efficiency and cycling stability of sulfonated polyimide (SPI), a polyphosphazene with built-in -SO3H moieties (PP-SO3H), which is a porous covalent organic framework (COF) material, is facilely synthesized by the polymeric combination of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP) and p-diaminobenzenesulfonic acid. Due to its tunable pore size and flexible molecular design, the COF material can address the trade-off between the conductivity and the ion permeability of ion exchange membranes well, thereby improving the ion selectivity of membranes. The experimental results show that the SPI/PP-SO3H composite membrane has an excellent conductivity (up to 114.8 mS cm-1); the ion selectivity of the SPI/2% PP-SO3H membrane is 11.69 × 104 S min cm-3, which is 2.18 times higher than that of the SPI base membrane. PP-SO3H also improves the SPI membrane's mechanical strength, and the effect of PP-SO3H on SPI intermolecular interactions is analyzed by surface electrostatic potential (ESP) theoretical calculations. The Coulombic efficiency (CE) of the SPI/2% PP-SO3H membrane is 98.92%, the energy efficiency (EE) is 84.1% at a current density of 100 mA cm-2, and the self-discharge time of the SPI/2% PP-SO3H membrane is 3.5 times compared with the SPI base membrane. To measure the cycling stability of the composite membrane, the SPI/2% PP-SO3H membrane is cycled in the VRFB for more than 400 cycles, which is more stable than that of the SPI base membrane. These results show that SPI/2% PP-SO3H composite membranes are viable for VRFB applications.

Osmotic energy conversion in serpentinite-hosted deep-sea hydrothermal vents

Cells harvest energy from ionic gradients by selective ion transport across membranes, and the same principle is recently being used for osmotic power generation from salinity gradients at ocean-river interfaces. Common to these ionic gradient conversions is that they require intricate nanoscale structures. Here, we show that natural submarine serpentinite-hosted hydrothermal vent (HV) precipitates are capable of converting ionic gradients into electrochemical energy by selective transport of Na+, K+, H+, and Cl-. Layered hydroxide nanocrystals are aligned radially outwards from the HV fluid channels, constituting confined nanopores that span millimeters in the HV wall. The nanopores change the surface charge depending on adsorbed ions, allowing the mineral to function as a cation- and anion-selective ion transport membrane. Our findings indicate that chemical disequilibria originating from flow and concentration gradients in geologic environments generate confined nanospaces which enable the spontaneous establishment of osmotic energy conversion.

Mechanisms determining water permeability and ion selectivity of multilayered glycine-functionalized graphene oxide membranes in saline water reverse osmosis processes: A computational investigation

Non-Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics simulations were performed to examine in detail the mechanisms involved in a reverse osmosis process for the removal of monovalent (Na+, Cl−) and divalent (Mg2+) ions from saline water, using multilayered glycine-functionalized graphene oxide (GO) membranes. We varied parameters such as the degree of functionalization of the GO flakes and the structural flexibility of the membranes and examined their performance in a wide range of applied pressure gradients. In all models examined, water permeability was found to be almost 2 orders of magnitude larger compared to that in conventional reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. High structural flexibility of the membranes was found to increase water permeability due to the formation of additional nanochannels that favor faster water transport. Functionalization of the GO flakes by the glycinate groups resulted in a decrease in water permeability due to the formation of a denser hydrogen-bonding network within the membranes. Three main mechanisms were identified regarding ion selectivity. Due to the overall negative charge of the membranes, the strong adsorption of the Mg2+ ions onto the GO flakes resulted in their full rejection. Weaker adsorption of the Na+ ions led only to their partial rejection. At the same time, the electrostatic repulsion of the Cl− ions by the membranes was found to result in almost full removal levels at high pressure gradients. The rejection of the monovalent ions was found to decrease with the structural flexibility of the membranes and increase with the functionalization of the GO flakes, in response to the changes observed in water permeability on these membrane modifications. The pressure-dependent deformability of the structurally flexible membranes combined with charge accumulation close to the membrane's entrance, resulted in a non-monotonic dependence of the monovalent ion rejection on the applied pressure difference.

Advanced membrane contactor coupled with electrodialysis metathesis for efficient carbon dioxide capture and waste salt remediation

Rapid development of society has led to significant increases in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, primarily driven by intensified industrial activities and urbanization. Capture and utilization of CO2 not only mitigate greenhouse gas emissions but also support the transition towards a circular economy by recycling CO2 into high-value products. This study proposed a membrane contactor and electrodialysis metathesis (MC-EDM) for CO2 capture, NH4HCO3 generation, and NaHCO3 conversion. The MC facilitated the selective capture of CO2 from gas streams. Concurrently, EDM enhanced the NaHCO3/NH4Cl conversion from NH4HCO3/NaCl through selective ion transport mechanisms. The key influencing factors (e.g., gas flow rate, liquid flow rate, and ammonia concentration) for the MC process were optimized to achieve 1.014 mol/L NH4HCO3 concentration with 88.73 % yield and 78.94 % CO2 removal efficiency. Moreover, the parameters (e.g., solid-liquid ratio, membrane type, operating voltage, and salt component ratio) for the EDM process were optimized to achieve NaHCO3 with a 90.9 % yield and 97.80 % purity. Economic analysis indicated the overall process for NaHCO3 recovery was approximately 0.3267 $/kg. The cyclic experiments demonstrated the stability of MC-EDM for high-value NaHCO3 recovery. Thus, the MC-EDM pathways contribute significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industrial processes while promoting resource efficiency and economic sustainability.

Ratiometric Fluorescent Probes for Copper Ion Detection and Cuproptosis Studies

Abstract: This study reviews the latest progress of ratiometric fluorescent probes of copper ions from 2022 till now. As a key trace element in biological systems, copper ions play an important role in a variety of biological processes. However, the abnormal change in copper ion concentration is closely related to a variety of diseases, so the development of highly sensitive and highly selective copper ion detection methods is of great significance for scientific research and clinical diagnosis. In this paper, we first introduced the classification of copper ion fluorescence probes, including molecular sensors based on five-membered azocycles, six-membered azocycles, imide groups (R2C=NR'), oxygen and nitrogen functional groups (such as ethers, aldehydes, ketones, esters, carboxylic acids and hydroxyl groups) and group ⅥA elements. Subsequently, the application of nanosensors in the detection of copper ions is further discussed, especially the nanosensors in which copper is used as a reactant, catalyst or alternative reaction. Finally, the current research status of copper ion fluorescence probes is summarized, and the future development direction is prospected in order to provide reference and inspiration for the design of new high-efficiency copper ion detection tools.

Impact of silvicultural practices on the genetic variations between sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) stands in the Northern Forest, U.S.A

Tree harvesting practices that enhance genetic diversity are essential for the long-term sustainability of our forests. Using eSSRs, which are markers within expressed genes and thus, potentially subjected to natural selection and reveal adaptive potential, this study examines the effects of selection (SE) and shelterwood (SW) management systems using unmanaged (UM) stands as reference on the genetic diversity of sugar maples in the Northern Forest, USA. Comparison between management types shows no difference between SE and SW, but compared to UM, both have lower allelic richness (AR) while only SE has lower expected heterozygosity (HE). Size class comparison shows that seedlings have higher AR and HE than poles and mature trees. Two-way interactions between management types, size classes, and study stands from each of the four states that comprise the Northern Forest region (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York) were also examined. Results show that seedlings in UM and SW have higher AR compared to all size classes in SE and poles and mature trees in SW, while only seedlings from SW have higher HE compared to poles and mature trees in SE and SW. Only in Maine was there a difference in AR between SW and SE stands per state. Seedlings in New Hampshire and Maine have higher HE, as well as seedlings and mature trees in New York compared to the poles in New Hampshire and mature trees in Maine. Overall, the results indicate genetic erosion in sugar maple stands in the Northern Forest region. This genetic impact may be due to several factors including the intensity of cutting associated with SE and SW systems and size of the canopy gaps created. Higher seedling genetic diversity in SW compared to SE may be due to their more open stand structure that facilitates gene flow and seedling recruitment. When using SE, longer cutting cycle paired with lower level of residual basal area is recommended. This approach allows for a more open stand structure that could facilitate pollen and seed exchanges from the stands, improving their genetic diversity. In both SE and SW systems, leaving high-quality growing stocks will enhance their genetic diversity and ensure their sustainability. This study increases our awareness of the potential genetic impacts of forest harvesting practices and guides the development of recommendations to alleviate genetic erosion in sugar maple stands.

Crystal orientation control in angstrom-scale channel membranes for significantly enhanced blue energy harvesting

Achieving high-performance blue energy harvesting from the interface between seawater and river water remains challenging, because the current ion-selective membrane suffers from a trade-off between ion permeability and selectivity. Here, we tackle this issue by manipulating the crystal orientations within metal–organic framework (MOF) MIL-178 membranes, including one with the a-axis perpendicular to the substrate, and the other with the b-axis similarly configured. We show that the MIL-178-a-oriented membrane exhibited over one order of magnitude faster ion transport than the MIL-178-b-oriented membrane, and one-dimensional angstrom-scale (∼3.2 Å) channels endow the former with ultrahigh ion selectivity. Consequently, the MIL-178-a-oriented membrane achieves an ultrahigh power density of ∼9.64 W/m2, with an unprecedented energy conversion efficiency of ∼38.5 % approaching the theoretical upper limit of 50 %, when simulated seawater and river water are mixed, surpassing all the reported non-oriented MOF-based membranes. This study presents a method for finely tuning preferred orientations within polycrystalline MOF membranes, enabling precise engineering of ultrahigh-performance osmotic energy conversion.

Amide/urea-based simple fluorometric receptors for iodide and Hg2+ ions in aqueous medium: Aggregation induced emission and DFT studies

Herein, we report pyrene-tagged amide and urea-based sugar derivatives 1 and 2 in a simple synthetic pathway to recognize I− and Hg2+ ions. Both molecules showed absorbance and fluorescence selectivity towards iodide ions in THF/H2O (7/3, v/v) medium. The selectivity and sensitivity of 2 for iodide ions are superior to 1 due to more H-bond donors in 2. Interestingly, fluorometric receptor 2 exhibited aggregation-induced emission (AIE) at higher pH with a remarkable fluorometric color change. The AIE phenomenon might be explained by the self-association of 2 after forming imine functionality in the alkali medium. The Stern-Volmer plot showed the fluorescence quenching constant of each receptor with an iodide ion and indicated the quenching pathway. The LODs of 1 and 2 for iodide ions were evaluated as 0.84 and 0.17 µM, respectively. The 1:1 binding stoichiometry of 1 or 2 with iodide was found from the Job plot and verified by measuring the complex mass.Further, the complexes of each receptor with I− ions can detect Hg2+ ions selectively by fluorescence turn-on method with low sensitivities (LODs: 0.008 µM for 1 and 0.01 µM for 2). DFT results were used to understand the binding mode of receptors 1 and 2 with iodide ions and the quenching process in the aqueous THF medium. The real application of the receptors was established for the recovery of iodide and Hg2+ ions from natural water samples.

Polyamide nanofiltration membrane modified with defective covalent organic framework interlayer for selective ion sieving

Generally, thin-film composite (TFC) membranes prepared using piperazine (PIP) and trimesoyl chloride (TMC) exhibit good Na2SO4 rejection, but their MgCl2 rejection is not satisfactory. In this study, a defective covalent organic framework (COF) interlayer with residual unreacted amine groups was fabricated via interfacial polymerization (IP) by changing the catalyst concentration. Introduction of the COF layer into a polyamide (PA) separation membrane modified the pore size of the PA layer, thereby improving the rejection of divalent cations. The pore size of the PA layer decreased and the surface morphology of the membrane was converted from nodular to a hybrid morphology of “ridge-and-valleys’’ and nodules, indicating that the residual unreacted amine groups on the COF interlayer successfully reacted with the acyl chloride groups. The optimal membrane (PIP/COF-A/PES) exhibited high rejection of divalent ions (Na2SO4 of 98.3% and MgCl2 of 94.3%), and the membrane showed excellent capability for separating mono/divalent ions. Overall, a method of preparing nanofiltration membranes by modifying the PA layer to enhance the rejection of divalent cations was demonstrated.

An exploration of AFLC-14-doped ceric phosphate, a novel liquid crystal hybrid ion exchanger: synthesis, ion exchange studies and analytical insights

ABSTRACT In this paper, we present the synthesis and characterisation of an anthraquinone-based discotic liquid crystal (DLC), AFLC-14-doped ceric phosphate, a novel composite ion exchanger which exhibits superior ion exchange properties. The incorporation of AFLC-14 betwixt the layers of ceric phosphate aims to strengthen the material’s thermal property, adsorption capacity, and disinfectant properties along with ion-exchange capabilities. The reported material underwent extensive physico-chemical characterisation using various analytical techniques, including FTIR, UV-vis spectrophotometry, XRD analysis, SEM imaging, TGA/DTA studies and elemental investigation. Additionally, ion-exchange characteristics were investigated, encompassing ion-exchange capacity, concentration dependency, thermal property, adsorption studies for alkaline earth and heavy/transition metal ions, and binary separation experiments. Our findings reveal that the incorporation of a DLC betwixt ceric phosphate matrix significantly improves the exchanger’s overall performance. Notably, the hybrid ion exchanger exhibits remarkable selectivity for mercury (II) ions, indicating its potential for selective ion removal applications in environmental remediation and water purification processes.