Transport of Cu²⁺ion across a bulk liquid membrane containing a synthesized Schiff base as carrier

Abstract

The transport of Cu 2+ ion through a chloroform bulk liquid membrane containing a new tetradentate Schiff base, 6,6 ′ -Diethoxy-2,2 ′ -[2,2-dimethyl propane-1,3-diylbis (nitrilomethylidyne)]-diphenol (DDPND), as a specific ion carrier was studied. The parameters influencing the transport efficiency such as type and concentration of the stripping agent used as the receiving phase, pH and ammonia concentration in the source phase, carrier concentration in the membrane, membrane solvent type and time dependency of the process were studied. The selectivity and efficiency of Cu 2+ transport from aqueous solutions containing other cations such as Zn 2+ , Pb 2+ , Cd 2+ , Co 2+ , Ni 2+ , Ca 2+ , Mn 2+ , Fe 3+ and Hg 2+ ions were investigated. The interfering effect of Pb 2+ and Cd 2+ ions was considerably diminished in the presence of ammonium acetate as a proper masking agent in the source phase. The amount of copper transport through the liquid membrane after 2 h was 91.7 ± 1.3%. The applicability of the method was checked for the separation of copper ions from soil sample.