A Comparative Study on the Cloud Point Extraction Behavior of Copper(II) from Sulphate Medium by N,N′-Bis(Salicylidene)Ethylenediamine using Triton X-100 and Tergitol 15-S-7 as Non-ionic Surfactants

Abstract

Abstract Cloud point extraction (CPE) experiments were carried out for separation of copper(II) from aqueous saline sulphate medium with the Schiff's base chelating extractant, N,N′-bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine (H2SALEN), using the polyethoxylated alcohol Tergitol 15-S-7 as a biodegradable non-ionic surfactant. The obtained results were compared with those previously obtained in presence of Triton X-100. The effects of the main experimental parameters such as pH, extractant concentration, and non-ionic surfactant concentration on the cloud point extraction behavior of copper(II) with H2SALEN were studied and discussed. The use of both systems namely, Triton X-100/H2SALEN/Na2SO4 and Tergitol 15-S-7/H2SALEN/Na2SO4, led to very good extraction efficiency and concentrating ability for Cu(II) pollutant. Indeed, nearly 100 % extraction efficiency with a minimal volume fraction of the surfactant-rich phase, ϕs, was achieved at pH 7.25 and 8 in the systems Tergitol 15-S-7/H2SALEN/Na2SO4 and Triton X-100/H2SAL...