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An ion exchanger is a solid material, often a synthetic resin, that can reversibly swap ions with a surrounding solution. These materials have fixed charged sites that attract ions of the opposite charge.12

Key Concepts:
* Cation Exchangers: Possess negative charges and exchange positive ions (cations), such as hydrogen or metal ions.2
* Anion Exchangers: Possess positive charges and exchange negative ions (anions), typically hydroxide or halide ions.2

Ion exchange is widely used for water softening by removing calcium and magnesium ions, deionizing water, purifying chemicals, and separating substances in industrial and laboratory settings.134

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