Cation exchange of surface protons on silica gel with cupric ions

The exchange of surface protons on silica gel with cupric ions was investigated under two different conditions. The equilibrium constant was determined and the mechanism of the exchange was suggested. In ammonia water, two protons exchange with one tetrammine cupric ion and formed two ammonium ions. In acidic solution, where one proton exchanges with one cupric ion, the apparent equilibrium constant increases with an increase in the amount of copper loading. The structure of surface species on silica gel was suggested from the mechanism of the exchange and from ESR study. The surface species prepared in acidic solution is changed into the one prepared in ammonia water by exposure to ammonia. The change in the structure of surface species by the adsorption of foreign molecules was also studied.