AN EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF ION-EXCHANGE RELATIONSHIPS

Abstract

Ion-exchange equations of Gapon, Vanselow, and one based on the statistical thermodynamics of Guggenheim, were studied by comparing the variation of exptlly. derived equilibrium constants. One bentonite clay, 3 soil colloids, and 3 synthetic resins were used in the study. Guggenheim"s formulation proved suitable for ion pairs of equal valency, monovalent-divalent ion pairs, and monovalent-trivalent ion pairs. Vanselow"s equation was less satisfactory with monovalent-trivalent ion pairs, while Gapon"s equation was suitable with ion pairs of equal valency only. None of the equations gave satisfactory equilibrium constants with H- ion or with mixtures of adsorbents with decidedly different exchange properties.