Modified zirconium phosphates

Abstract

A process for modifying various inorganic compounds defined by the formula: M(OH)z (HQO4)2 -z/2.xH2 Owherein M is a metal ion selected from Groups IVA and IVB of the Periodic Table of Elements, Q is an anion selected from Groups VA and VIB of the Periodic Table of Elements, z is any value from 0 to 2 and x is a number of from 0 to 8, by replacing a hydrogen in the inorganic compound with a metal cation. Suitable cations include those elements selected from Groups IA, IIA, IIIA, IVA, IB, IIB, IIIB including the lanthanide and activide series, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB and VIII of the Periodic Table of Elements and ammonium. Thereafter, elevation of the temperature causes modification of the crystalline structure of the exchanged compound and provides various novel crystalline phases. Substitution of dissimilar metal cations for those present in the heat modified structure, with or without subsequent washing with acid, or washing out of the original metal cations, creates still other crystalline phases.