Extraction of Cesium Ions from Aqueous Solutions Using Calix[4]arene-bis(<i>tert</i>-octylbenzo-crown-6) in Ionic Liquids

Abstract

Solvent extraction of cesium ions from aqueous solution to hydrophobic ionic liquids without the introduction of an organophilic anion in the aqueous phase was demonstrated using calix[4]arene-bis(tert-octylbenzo-crown-6) (BOBCalixC6) as an extractant. The selectivity of this extraction process toward cesium ions and the use of a sacrificial cation exchanger (NaBPh(4)) to control loss of imidazolium cation to the aqueous solutions by ion exchange have been investigated.