The Effect of Cation Exchange of Tris(Ethylenediamine)Cobalt (III) for Sodium on Nitrogen Sorption by Montmorillonite

Abstract

Abstract The cation exchange process between tris(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III) and Na + on mont-morillonite was studied by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, and nitrogen sorption at 78°K. The exchange of Co(en) 3 3+ for Na + was found to be extremely favorable, with a tendency toward segregation of the two kinds of cations in the mixed clays studied. Small amounts of Co(en) 3 +3 were found to lower the nitrogen sorption capacity of Na + mont-morillonite while clays with high Co(en) 3 +3 content had greatly enhanced sorption. An explanation is offered in terms of a dual role of the Co(en) 3 +3 in determining the kind and amount of nitrogen sorption in the exchanged montmorillonite.