Lithium Isotope Selectivity of Semicrystalline Titanium Phosphates with Rapid Ion Exchange Rate

Abstract

The ion exchange rate and lithium isotope selectivity of inorganic ion exchangers, semicrystalline layered titanium phosphate (Ti₂O₃ (H₂PO₄) ₂⋅2H₂O) prepared through the reaction in aqueous media and its thermally treated product, were investigated. Their Li⁺/H⁺ ion exchange rates were quite high; the ion exchange equilibria were attained within 3min at 25°C. The single-stage separation factor for the lithium isotopes at 25°C was 1.008-1.011 for Ti₂O₃ (H₂PO₄) ₂⋅2H₂O and 1.014-1.018 for its thermally treated product under weakly acidic to neutral conditions.