Modified titanium phosphates as cesium selective ion exchangers

Two synthetic methods for the preparation of spherically granulated titanium phosphates (TiP), as cesium selective exchangers, have been carried out. The first method uses the ''ion memory'' effect for the formation of specific adsorption sites in the matrix of TiP, whereas the second method results in the preparation of granular titanium phosphate - ammonium molybdophosphate (TiP-AMP) composites by a gel technique. The efficiency of the new materials has been studied in complex systems. The cesium distribution coefficients for some of the sorbents prepared are higher than 40,000 mL/g. It was found that, due to high exchange capacity, regenerability and high selectivity for cesium, TiP materials with ''ion memory'' effect can be used for radiocesium recovery from ground and surface waters, whereas granular composite TiP-AMP exchangers are useful for the treatment of cesium containing acid nuclear wastes with a high content of background electrolytes.