Facilitated Transport of Zn(II) and Cd(II) Ions Through Polymer Inclusion Membranes Immobilized With a Calix[4]resorcinarene Derivative

Abstract

The transport of Zn(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous nitrate donor phase solution (1×10−3M) by polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) has been investigated using 2,8,14,20-tetrahekxyl-4,6,10,12,16,18,22,24-oktahydroxycalix[4]resorcinarenes as the carrier. The Zn(II) and Cd(II) ions were transported through PIM of cellulose triacetate (CTA) as a polymeric support material and 2-NPOE as a plasticizer. The prepared PIM was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) techniques. The efficiency of the transport of Zn(II) and Cd(II) ions through the PIM was investigated in terms of the effects of carrier concentration, the pH in the acceptor phase, the amount of plasticizer in the membrane and the thickness of the membranes. The kinetic parameters which have been calculated as the constant rate (k), permeability coefficient (P), flux (J) and diffusion coefficient (D). This study has demonstrated the driving force of pH through the mechanism of carrier mediated diffusion of transport of Zn(II) and Cd(II) ions. These results indicates that PIMs can be used effectively for the removal of Zn(II) and Cd(II) ions from industrial waste waters.