Copper extraction by liquid surfactant membranes containing a hydroxyoxime carrier - Acceleration effect of anionic surfactant in LSMS

The extraction behaviour of copper (II) with a liquid surfactant membrane (LSM) containing a hydroxyoxime carrier and a synthetic surfactant has been investigated. A liquid-liquid extraction equilibrium study was also performed for elucidating the extraction mechanism. LIX860 was found to possess the highest extraction potential for copper among the extractants used in this study. The composition of the complex between copper and the extractant was clarified by the slope analysis method and the extraction equilibrium constants were determined. An anionic surfactant accelerated the extraction rate of copper by LSMs containing the best carrier LIX860. Copper in the external phase was completely extracted by the LSMs in a few minutes. The extraction behaviour of copper (II) in the LSMs was analyzed by means of an interfacial reaction model.