Analytical utility of coupled transport across a supported liquid membrane: Selective preconcentration of zinc

Abstract

A liquid membrane comprising 5–10% bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid in dodecane that is supported between an aqueous sample at pH 4.7–6.0 and a 0.1 M HCl receiver results in uphill transport of Zn(II) from the sample into the receiver. With 2 ml of receiver, a 5 cm 2 membrane and 60 min dialysis time, Zn(II) is preconcentrated by a factor of ca. 13 when the initial concentration in the sample is in the range 1.5 × 10 −7−1.5 × 10 −4 M. The enrichment factor is directly proportional to time up to 30 min since the transport rate of Zn(II) across the membrane is constant over this period. At longer times the flux is slowed as the system begins to approach equilibrium. The presence of other metals such as Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cd(II), Pb(II) and Fe(II) does not change the enrichment factor for Zn(II), even when the interferent is at a concentration high enough for the rate of transport (nmole/min) of the interferent and Zn(II) to be about the same. The flux of Zn(II) was about 40 times that of Cu(II) and 100 times that of Co(II) when their concentrations in the sample were equal. The other metal ions examined are not significantly transported.