Calix[4]arene Embedded Polyamide Supported Liquid Membrane for Separation of Heavy Metals from Aqueous Solutions

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to prepare new calixaren embedded mercapto groups supported liquid membranes and to use them in the transport of heavy metals. For this purpose 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis(3-thiol-1-oxypropane)-26,28-dihydroxylcalix[4]arene was synthesized. The synthesized calixarene compounds were fully characterized by spectroscopic and the other techniques. The prepared compounds were supported polyamide liquid membranes and obtained calix[4]aren embedded supported liquid membranes (C@PSMs). The characterization of C@PSM was carried out by FTIR, TGA and elemental analysis techniques. Transport experiments were carried out with Pb(II), Cd(II) and Zn(II) as trace metals, to transport from donor phase to accept phase. From the results, it was calculated flux (J) and recovery (RF) values. The affinity (the percentage of metal ion transferred from the source solution) of a PIM towards a range of divalent cations was found to follow the order Zn(II)> Cd(II)> Pb(II).