Studies on the selectivity of Na⁺ separation on specially prepared hydrated antimony pentoxide

Abstract

The selectivity of Na⁺ separation on especially prepared hydrated antimony pentoxide (HAP) was studied with respect to trace elements. For this purpose NaCl samples, doped with 0.5 μg each of altogether 21 selected elements in form of suitable neutron activated compounds, were in relation to practice subjected to column experiments. In some cases trace elements were used in different oxidation states. Considered were elements which are of particular interest for neutron activation analysis. With simultaneous retention of Na⁺ (DK≥10⁸) Cs, Ba, Sc, La, Ce, Eu, Cr, Mo, Mn, Co, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Cd, Hg, and Sb are completely eluted from the HAP column, using 7.5N HCl, whereby Cs and to some extent Ba and Sc in comparison to the elements mentioned above required a higher elution volume. Rb, Se and As on the contrary were almost quantitatively retained on HAP column, W partly as WO ²⁻₄ . The scope of validity of the results will be discussed.