PREPARATION OF LAYERED ZIRCONIUM PHOSPHONATE PHOSPHATE, ZIRCONIUM PHOSPHONATE PHOSPHITE AND RELATED-COMPOUNDS

The preparation and characterization of a number of layered zirconium compounds containing inorganic phosphorus groups as well as organic phosphonate groups are described. Thermal decomposition of ZrF62- in the presence of mixed phosphoric and phenylphosphonic acids leads to formation of a staged compound in which the organic and inorganic groups are separated in adjacent layers. Reaction of ZrOCl2 . 8H2O with a mixture of phosphorus acid and phenylphosphonic acid produces a differently staged compound in which each phosphonate group is situated opposite a phosphite group. Reaction of a mixed solution of phosphoric acid and 1,4-phenyldiphosphonic acid with a solution of ZrOCl2 . 8H2O without HF results in the preparation of a series of amorphous mixed-component compounds that are found to be highly selective ion-exchangers toward Cs+, etc. and can be used in nuclear waste disposal.