Transport of Europium(III) through a Supported Liquid Membrane Using Acidic Extractants as Carriers

Abstract

The carrier-mediated transport of europium through a supported liquid membrane by immobilizing PC-88A (EHPNA) and Versatic 10 on a porous support has been investigated in order to explore its efficiency, effectiveness and utility. Europium from the source solution was transported in the pH range from 1 to 5.75 for EHPNA and 3 to 5.75 for Versatic 10 through a cellulose triacetate membrane towards a receiving solution of pH<2. However, the change in the europium concentration in the source solution with respect to time (t) was observed based on the expression. The observed permeability coefficient (P) increased along with an increase in the carrier concentration for both the EHPNA and Versatic 10 systems in the concentration ranges studied, 1.8×10^-5 to 1.8×10^-2M (mol dm^-3) and 1.8×10^-5 to 4×10^-2M respectively. Above this range it remained nearly constant. The effect of complexation with citric, succinic and malonic acids on the permeability has been explored. The enrichment factor (EF) has also been evaluated.