Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering & Technology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-202 002, India Manuscript received 3 May 2000. accepted 16 December 2000 Acrylonitrile-based zirconium phosphate (AcZP) has been prepared as a new hybrid cation exchange material. Out of a large number of samples prepared, the one selected for detailed studies has an Na+ i.e.c. equal to 2.08 meq/dry g. This new material has been characterized on the basis of its physicochemical analysis like X-ray, IR, SEM, thermal stability, and ion exchange studies. Distribution coefficient (Kd) values for various metal ions in different solvents have been determined to explore its separation potential. The material shows a marked selectivity for strontium. The material may have some applications in the removal of strontium from aqueous nuclear· waste.