Removal of Cu(II) ions from single component and Cd(II) containing solutions by micellar enhanced ultrafiltration utilizing micellar effects on complex formation

Abstract

Optimum conditions for the removal of Cu(II) ions from both single-component and Cd(II) containing solutions by ligand-modified micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration (LM-MEUF) were determined. Complexation behaviors of 20 ligands with Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions were investigated in micellar medium of SDS at different pH values to determine the ligands which could provide selective separation. In this respect, the most effective ligand was found to be 2,4,6-tri(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine (TPTZ). In the presence of 6.6 × 10−8 mol L−1 TPTZ in the feed solution, SDS concentration required for complete removal of Cu(II) ions from single-component solution was lowered two times compared to conventional MEUF process. Complete removal of Cu(II) ions from Cd(II)-containing solutions could be achieved by LM-MEUF with Cd(II) rejections lower than 10%. It was demonstrated that SDS concentration in the feed solution and thereby in the filtrate can be lowered in substantial amounts, and metallic ions of similar properties can be separated simply by a LM-MEUF process.