The materials obtained by exchanging Cd2+ ions into gamma -zirconium phosphate and gamma -zirconium phosphate-L materials (L = organic diamines) have been investigated. The kinetic uptake of the Cd2+ ions by the starting materials, the thermal behavior and the structural characterization of the obtained compounds has also been examined. gamma -Zirconium phosphate intercalated with CdS particles has also been prepared and characterized. Its property to exchange further cadmium ions, and thus, insert more CdS particles between the layers of the exchanger has been investigated.