Studies on removal of Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions in polymer inclusion membrane transport with Calix[4]-crown-6 derivatives

Abstract

Competitive transport of Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) ions from aqueous nitrate source phase (cMe = 0.01 M) through polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) containing cellulose triacetate (support), o-nitrophenyl pentyl ether (plasticizer) and calix[4]crown-6 derivatives (as ion carriers) has been investigated. The influence of the group, i.e. –OH, – OMe attached type to the calix[4]-crown-6 molecule on the selectivity and efficiency of Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) transport through polymer inclusion membranes is studied. The removal of metal ions by transport through PIM’s from acid nitrate aqueous solutions is presented. The selectivity coefficients of Pb/Zn and Cd/Zn decrease with acid concentration increase in receiving phase. On the other hand, the initial fluxes of investigated ions decrease using the same membrane for the second and third time.