Effect of Mass Transfer Resistance of Polymeric Surfactant on Transport of Metal through Bulk Liquid Membrane Interface

Abstract

This research work deals with an investigation on the reduction of mass transfer coefficient due to the presence of polymeric surfactant/ polycondensate layer in the liquid membrane. Mo(VI) is chosen as target species which are to be removed from feed solution using Bulk Liquid membrane (BLM) in presence of polymeric surfactant and extractant. Mathematical model is developed for simulation of kinetics of Mo(VI) extraction using BLM. Study reveals that for efficient Mo(VI) extraction, reduction of stripping rate is not at all desirable. Abil EM 90 is found best suitable polymeric surfactant as it has least mass transfer resistance of Mo(VI) transport in strip phase. This study is very useful for selecting suitable polymeric surfactant/ polycondensate layer for stabilising liquid emulsion membrane for metal extraction/recovery purpose.