Hybrid Ion Exchangers

Abstract

Hybrid ion exchangers are of recent origin in the field of ion exchange chemistry. They have shown excellent chemical, mechanical and thermal stability conversant to both organic and inorganic counterparts. Very recently, new classes of ion exchangers have been studied by combining surfactants and inorganic metal phosphates. This article highlights the salient features of metal phosphates as ion exchangers, various development stages with the modifications, with an emphasis on the recent develop-ments in the field of analytical chemistry, particularly surfactant-based hybrid fibrous and non-fibrous metal phosphates as ion exchangers. Surfactants or surface-active agents when present in the matrix of inorganic metal phosphates not only enhance their ion-exchange capacity but, also the selective adsorption of metal ions. Therefore, these materials are of great importance in industrial and environmental applications.