Sorption properties of zirconogels prepared at various surfactant concentrations and pH of mother liquid

Sorption properties of zirconium oxyhydrates, prepared in the presence of non-ionic penetrating agent OP-10, have been studied in relation to yttrium (III) ions. Sample synthesis has been completed at pH 7, 8 and 9 and various OP-10 concentrations, corresponding to molecular surfactant solutions, formation of spherical and cylindrical micelles. It has been established that at surfactant concentrations, corresponding to molecular solutions and spherical micelles, formation of zirconogels with maximum sorption activity in relation to yttrium ions is observed at pH 8. Samples prepared at those conditions have sorptive capacity that is more than 10 times higher than sorption on zirconium oxyhydrate synthesized without a surfactant.