Properties and Extraction for [Ni(NH3)6]2+ of ATPS-a Formed by Aqueous Cationic–Anionic Surfactant Mixtures

Abstract

The properties and extraction for [Ni(NH3)6]2+ of anionic aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS-a) that formed in mixtures of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and excess sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) aqueous solutions were investigated. The results showed that the properties and extraction effects were strongly affected by the surfactant concentration, the temperature of system, and the mole fraction of surfactants. The increase of temperature induces narrower phase region and larger phase volume ratio. In addition, [Ni(NH3)6]2+ was extracted into the surfactant-rich phase with higher distribution coefficient when the liquid crystal had the birefringent properties. Moreover, the distribution coefficient can be improved through reducing the concentration of surfactant from 0.15 to 0.05 mol · L−1 or increasing mole fraction of CTAB from 21.9% to 23.1%. The results showed that ATPS of cationic–anionic surfactants was efficient for [Ni(NH3)6]2+ extraction with distribution coefficients of 13.5 when the total surfactant concentration was 0.05 mol · L−1, mole fraction of CTAB was 21%, and temperature was 34°C.