Uptake of Cu(II) Ions into α-Zirconium Phosphate-Ethylamine Intercalate and their Coordination Environment in Host-guest Matrices

Zirconium bis (monohydrogenorthophosphate) monohydrate (α-zirconium phosphate) with relatively large particle size was prepared and employed as an intercalation host for ethylamine. Solid phases with the interlayer distances of 7.6, 9.6, 10.8, and 13.9Å were observed as the intercalation proceeded. Further uptake of Cu(II) ions into the interlayer region of the intercalate was possible, and the coordination environment of Cu (II) ions was investigated by means of EXAFS and XANES. The results indicate that the Cu (II) ions were coordinated to O^- active sites rather than N atoms of the amine