Sol–gel synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and analytical applications of copper selective composite cation exchanger: Polyvinyl alcohol Ce(IV) phosphate

An organic–inorganic composite cation exchanger polyvinyl alcohol Ce(IV) phosphate was prepared by the sol–gel method. The composite cation exchanger was characterized by some physicochemical properties like FTIR, TGA/DTA/DTG, XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, and ion exchange properties to validate the structure and the ion exchange behavior. Ion exchange parameters indicated that the composite material is suitable for column operation. The ion exchange capacity of the composite ion exchanger is higher than that of the inorganic counterpart which showed that the incorporation of organic polymer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is responsible for prevention of the leaching of inorganic ion exchanger thereby proving mechanical stability and enhanced ion exchange properties. The distribution studies showed the selectivity toward Cu(II) ions, a heavy toxic metal ion. It was also observed that the selectivity depended upon the nature and composition of contacting solvents. The binary separation of a mixture of heavy metal ions Cu(II)–Zn(II), Cu(II)–Cd(II), and Cu(II)–Ni(II) also achieved thus composite cation exchanger proved excellent material could be effectively utilized in the treatment of discharge from copper plating, copper alloy, copper batteries, and smelting industries, whereas outstanding thermal stability of this composite ion exchanger could be utilized for the treatment of wastewater having Cu(II) ions with high temperature such as power generation and desalination plants. This composite ion exchanger with outstanding properties have potential to deal with aquatic toxicology caused by Cu(II) ions in future. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:332–340, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers