Selective transport of lead(II) and strontium(II) through a crown ether-based polymer inclusion membrane containing dialkylnaphthalenesulfonic acid

New polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) containing 18-membered crown ethers and dialkylnaphthalenesulfonic acid are proposed for Sr2+ and Pb2+ removal from nitric acid solutions. The influence of source phase composition and stripping agents was characterized and permeability coefficients were calculated. The PIMs are easy to prepare and may be useful in separation and concentration procedures for these cations from complex mixtures such as nuclear waste. Long-term stability was obtained for at least several weeks of constant use during which no significant change of permeability was observed.