Removal of Pb(II) ions using polymer inclusion membranes containing calix[4]resorcinarene derivative as ion carrier

Abstract

Stricter environmental regulations regarding the discharge of toxic metals require developing various technologies for the removal of these metals from polluted euents. The removal of toxic metal ions using immobilized membranes with doped ligands is a promising approach for enhancing environmental quality, because of the high selectivity and removal effciency, high stability, and low energy requirements of the membranes. Cellulose triacetate-based polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs), with calix[4]resorcinarene derivative as an ion carrier, were analyzed to determine their ability for removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The eects of ion carrier concentration, plasticizer amount, pH of source aqueous phase, and receiving agents on the eective transport of Pb(II) were determined. All studied parameters were found to be important factors for the transport of Pb(II) ions. The PIM containing calix[4]resorcinarene derivative as an ion carrier showed high stability and excellent transport activity for selective removal of Pb(II) from the battery industry euent, with a separation effciency of 90%.