Transport of Uranium(VI) through a Supported Liquid Membrane Containing LIX 63

Abstract

Abstract The carrier transport of U(VI) has been studied by means of the liquid membrane of LIX 63 (HR) held on a porous support. U was effectively transported from the dilute feed solution (pH = 4–5) to the product solution of 0.1 M H2SO4. Its concentration in the feed decreased according to [U]f, t = [U]f, o exp (-k obs t). The apparent rate constant (k obs) increased with an increase in carrier concentration up to 0.05 M, but it became nearly constant in the range of [HR] = 0.05–0.2 M. The rate of transport was inversely proportional to the feed volume. More than 99% of U was recovered and the final concentration ratio in the product to the feed ([U]p/[U]f) exceeded 103.