Abstract: An improved process for preparing a cation exchange material from peat selected from sphagnum or reed-sedge peat for improving the ion exchange capability of the peat. The raw peat is initially dried and ground to a particle size of less than about one millimeter, after which the particulate material is hydrolyzed in an acid solution of moderate strength for separation of soluble components. The hydrolyzed material is then refluxed in an organic solvent, such as a mixture of 2-propanol and toluene in a 1:2 volume ratio. Following removal of residual solvent, the peat is reacted with warm concentrated sulfuric acid, and thereafter ground or milled to a desirable particle size.