TRANSPORT AND SEPARATION OF COBALT, NICKEL AND COPPER IONS WITH ALAMINE LIQUID MEMBRANES

The transfer and separation of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions across a flat-sheet supported liquid membrane containing Alamine 336 as the mobile carrier dissolved in kerosene solvent has been investigated. Both the Alamine composition in the organic solution and the hydrochloric acid concentration in the feed solution have a marked effect on Co(II) and Cu(II) transport. A maximum flow of these ions at 50% of Alamine in the diluent was obtained. Ni(II) ion was not transported in the whole range of experimental conditions studied and good separation from Co(II) and Cu(II) could thus be performed. With decreasing hydrochloric acid concentration in the feed solution the separation factor of Cu(II) from Co(II) increases thus decreasing the Cu(II) recuperation factor.