What are the advantages of ion exchange chromatography?

Answer 1

Yazan Abbassi

Ion exchange resins are polymers that are capable of exchanging particular ions within the

polymer with ions in a solution that is passed through them. This ability is also seen in

various natural systems such as soils and living cells. The synthetic resins are used

primarily for purifying water, but also for various other applications including separating

out some elements.

In water purification the aim is usually either to soften the water or to remove the mineral

content altogether. The water is softened by using a resin containing Na+ cations but

which binds Ca2+ and Mg2+ more strongly than Na+. As the water passes through the resin

the resin takes up Ca2+ and Mg2+ and releases Na+ making for a 'softer' water. If the water

needs to have the mineral content entirely removed it is passed through a resin containing

H+ (which replaces all the cations) and then through a second resin containing OH- (which

replaces all the anions). The H+ and OH- then react together to give more water.

The process has some disadvantages in that there are substances occurring in some water

(such as organic matter or Fe3+ ions) which can foul the resin, but in general the

advantages of the process (long life of resins, cheap maintainance etc.) outweigh the

disadvantages. In addition, the process is very environmentally friendly because it deals

only with substances already occurring in water.

Answer 2

Simple, easy to carry out, quick, can be adapted to different needs, verstile, cheap, etc