Removes positively charged ions (cations) such as calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), iron (Fe²⁺), and manganese (Mn²⁺).
Commonly used for water softening by exchanging these cations for sodium (Na⁺) or hydrogen (H⁺) ions.
Applications: Water softening for residential, industrial, and boiler feedwater systems.