Abstract Sorption of Ni2+ ions by AlPO4 is studied as a function of concentrations and temperature at pH 7. Potentiometric titration, dissolution and FTIR studies are employed to determine the mechanism of the process of the uptake of Ni2+ ions which is found to be both the ion exchange and the surface precipitation of the corresponding metal phosphates. Freundlich equation is found applicable to the sorption data, and is employed to evaluate the thermodynamic parameters ?H° and ?S.