Ultrafiltration characteristics of colloid solutions containing oxyethylated methyl dodecanoate, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide and selected phenols as pollutants

The effect of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide upon ultrafiltration of oxyethylated methyl dodecanoate solutions and separation of phenol, 4-nitrophenol and 4-methylphenol was investigated. The permeate fluxes and the resistance of the secondary layer (SL) were determined and the effect of the surfactant discussed. The rejection of the phenols, distribution and binding constants were determined and interpreted. It was found that colloidal systems containing mixtures of oxyethylated methyl dodecanoates and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide are advantageous systems for recovery of phenols by micellar enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF). An addition of CTAB causes only a slight increase in the resistance of the SL and a slight decrease in the ultrafiltration flux. This negative effect is fully compensated for by improved rejections of phenols, observed in mixed surfactant systems. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.