ACTIVE GROUPS

Fixed ions are attached to the matrix of an ion exchanger. The active groups in the periodic table of elements must maintain a counter-ion of the opposite charge around themselves. The most reactive metals in the active groups are located near the lower left corner of the periodic table. For instance, sodium, lithium, and potassium are all highly reactive towards water, with Group 1 (alkali metals, including hydrogen) being the most reactive group in the periodic table.