Application of Cr(VI) transport through the polymer inclusion membrane with a new synthesized calix[4]arene derivative

Facilitated transport of Cr(VI) ions from aqueous chromate donor phase (2.10-4 kmol/m3) through polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) using a new synthesized 5,17-di-tert-butyl-11-piperidinomethyl-25,26,27, 28-tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene (carrier), as ion carrier, has been investigated. The Cr(VI) passed through a PIM comprised of cellulose triacetate (CTA) as a support and 2-NPOE as a plasticizer. The prepared PIM was characterized with Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and the atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques as well as with contact angle measurements. The efficiency of Cr(VI) transport through the PIM was investigated by studying the effects of carrier concentration on the donor phase as well as by measuring the amount of plasticizer in the membrane, the pH in the acceptor phase, the effect of acid type in donor phase, and the membrane's stability and thickness. The kinetic parameters were calculated as permeability coefficient (P), flux (J), and diffusion coefficient (D). The transport efficiency of Cr(VI) was observed to be 99.38% after 6 h under optimized conditions. These results indicated that PIMs can be used in the long term for the removal of Cr(VI) from industrial waste waters. © 2013 American Chemical Society.