ABSTRACT
Ion exchange often involves very specific interactions between the ion in solution and a group in the solid phase. The most common substrates for the interaction of ions and functional groups are ion exchange resins. This involves the construction of a matrix (most commonly polymeric) containing functional groups. Conventional monomeric functional groups for ion exchange include sulfonic acid, carboxylic acid, and amines. Groups may be acidic or basic, though in all cases, ions in solution are attracted to the substrate by electrostatic interactions. Depending on the charge and hydrated radius of the ion, the resulting complex will have a stability generally greater than that between the resident co-ion and exchange group.
