Selective chromium III/VI separation in polymer inclusion membrane system

Analyze of chromium(III) transport process from mixtures of Cr(III)/Cr(VI) ions with polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) system have been done. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) have been used as a carrier. It was found that the transport efficiency in PIM is dependent on the carrier concentration in the membrane. It was found that there is an optimal range of carrier concentration in the membrane, which ensures rapid and efficient transport. In studied system optimal D2EHPA concentration was in range between 0,9- 1,5 mol/dm3. Membrane worked as selective barrier for Cr(VI) ions. However increase of Cr(VI) concentration above 0,0005 mol/dm3 negatively influenced Cr(III) transport. It was caused by degradation of the polymer inclusion membrane made of cellulose triacetate (CTA) . Strongly oxidizing Cr(VI) ions can damage polymer inclusion membrane with CTA matrix. The chemical attack of strongly oxidant Cr(VI) ions could lead either to hydrolysis of the pendant acetyl group or to oxidation of polymer backbone leading to chain scission. Moreover, oxidation is accelerated at high concentration of Cr(VI) ions. The membrane containing D2EHPA as a carrier can be recommended for selective separation of Cr(III) ions only from diluted Cr(VI)/Cr(III) mixtures. However the polymer inclusion membrane need a change the polymer matrix.