Application of deconvolution to the analysis of univalent ion-exchange isotherms in zeolites X and Y

A numerical method of regularization has been used to effect the deconvolution of isotherms obtained from the literature describing the exchange of Li+ K+, and Rb+ into the synthetic faujasites NaX and NaY. The obtained selectivity coefficient distributions fit the univalent isotherms used for deconvolution. The relative number of K+ cations undergoing exchange with the obtained selectivity coefficients has been compared with published cation-site populations in K-X and K-Y, determined crystallographically.