Combined Ion Exchange-Solvent Extraction: a New Dimension in Inorganic Separation Chemistry

Abstract

MOST of the methods at present used for separation of inorganic ions by column chromatography are either based on cation and anion exchange or on partitition chromatographic procedures using cellulose, silica gel, ‘Kel-F’ and various other inert materials as supports for a stationary phase, mostly an aqueous solution, or, as with the reversed-phase techniques, with an organic phase which either acts as an extractant or as a cation or anion exchanger. Common to these methods is the fact that only one mechanism (either ion exchange or solvent extraction) is the decisive factor for effecting the separation. This is especially so in relatively strong mineral acid solutions. Seen from this point of view, these separation techniques are in practically all cases only one-dimensional, that is to say, only one of these principles can be utilized.