The nickel uptake properties of an extensive series of tin antimonates were studied. Distribution coefficient values (Kd) for 63Ni were measured in acidic and calcium solutions and illustrated as a function of Sn/Sb substitution from 0 to 100%. High Kd values for nickel from acidic solution (0.1 M HNO3) were obtained, and Kd values from 0.1 M Ca(NO3)2 solution followed in a similar manner but at a considerably lower level. It was suggested that the nickel uptake was governed by structural hindrance in the pyrochlore phase and by electrostatic forces in the rutile phase. The dependence of pH on nickel uptake from floor drain water simulate was investigated using three materials with different Sn/Sb ratios, and excellent Kd values, even over 175 000 ml g−1, were obtained.
