Development of novel cross-linked polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) for the separation of metallic and non-metallic species

Abstract

Separation based on polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) has gained significant interest in recent years as an environmentally friendly separation technique. PIMs are generally classified as a type of liquid membrane in which the membrane organic phase (containing the extractant and in some cases a plasticizer or modifier) is immobilized within the entangled chains of a polymer. The majority of the extractants used in PIMs are liquids, although solid extractants such as trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) can also be used when liquified because of the presence of impurities (e.g., solvents). Different base polymers, such as poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), cellulose triacetate (CTA), and poly(vinylidene..