Organic-inorganic materials based on flexible gel-like cation exchange resin were obtained by means of its modification with zirconium hydrophosphate. The samples were investigated using transmission and scanning electron microscopy, standard contact porosimetry as well as impedance spectroscopy. Single nanoparticles (4-10 nm) and their aggregates were found inside the polymer. Evolution of porous structure of the polymer constituent affected by the inorganic particles is considered, the modifier has been shown to decrease the content of free water in the polymer, to increase swelling pressure, which is determined according to Gregor model, and to provide a growth of ion-exchange capacity in a comparison with the pristine resin (from 0.56 up to 2.3 mmol cm^-3). The inorganic constituent formally behaves like a cross-linking agent. However, increasing of the modifier amount causes a growth of electrical conductivity of the composites from 0.2 to 0.8 Ohm^-1m^-1. The ion-exchanger with a maximal content of zirconium phosphate (67 %) was applied to removal of Cd²⁺ ions from a solution containing also hardness ions and organics. The composite provide continuity of the process, the removal degree of toxic ions reaches 96-98%. Redistribution of the nanoparticles in the polymer, which is affected by electric field, has been found.

Keywords: Electrodeionization; Electrodialysis; Organic-Inorganic Ion-Exchanger; Zirconium Phosphate; Standard Contact Porosimetry;