Thorium Ions Transport across Tri-n-butyl Phosphate—Benzene Based Supported Liquid Membranes

Abstract

Abstract Transport of Th(IV) ions across tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) benzene based liquid membranes supported in microporous hydrophobic polypropylene film (MHPF) has been studied. Various parameters such as variation of nitric acid concentration in the feed, TBP concentration in the membrane, and temperature on the given metal ions transport have been investigated. The effects of nitric acid and TBP concentrations on the distribution coefficient were also studied, and the data obtained were used to determine the Th ions—TBP complex diffusion coefficient in the membrane. Permeability coefficients of Th(IV) ions were also determined as a function of the TBP and nitric acid concentrations. The optimal conditions for the transport of Th(IV) ions across the membrane are 6 mol·dm−3 HNO3 concentration, 2.188 mol·dm−3 TBP concentration, and 25°C. The stoichiometry of the chemical species involved in chemical reaction during the transport of Th(IV) ions has also been studied.