Rigorous Model for Ion Exchange Equilibria of Strong and Weak Electrolytes

A thermodynamics-based equilibrium model was developed to describe ion exchange equilibria of strong and weak electrolytes. It is applicable to binary and multicomponent systems, using selectivity coefficients for all ion pairs and distribution coefficients for all neutral species as parameters. The model was successfully tested for a strong-base anion exchange resin with the strong electrolyte NaCl and the weak electrolytes acetic acid and N-acetylmethionine in a wide concentration range. Compared to conventional models, this model is more advantageous because it takes into account the uptake of all species, counterions as well coions and neutral species, thus making it possible to calculate the intraparticle pH. Especially when weak electrolytes are involved and when electrolyte concentrations strongly exceed the resin capacity, it is superior to conventional ones, whereas for dilute systems it converges to the conventional stoichiometric displacement model.