Characterisation of Ion and Redox Exchange Materials. I. Ion Exchange Capacity

A review of the literature on ion exchange processes revealed that ca. 18 different definitions of the ion exchange capacity are used by scientists working in different fields. The exact definitions of these ion exchange capacities are given and equations derived, which allow to correlate several of them. As far as commonly used methods for the experimental determinations are available, the corresponding references are given. After a general description of the various principles applied in the experimental procedures, the numerous sources of errors, which may arise, are discussed.