Extraction of Cd2+ from Model Aqueous Solution and Waste Tonner Carbon Using Polypropylene-Supported Liquid Membrane and Na2CO3 as Strippant

The mechanism for transport of Cd2+ ions from aqueous solution was investigated using propylene-supported liquid membrane (SLM) where triethanolamine (TEA) and cyclohexanone were used as carrier and solvent, respectively. The highest transport of Cd2+ ions was attained at optimum concentration of TEA (3M) in membrane solution, HNO3 (1M HNO3) in 3.57mM of Cd(NO3)(2) salt in feed and Na2CO3 (1.5M) in strip solution. It was further deduced from the results that (LH)(n) CdNO3+n complex was produced during the process which carried out the Cd2+ transport. Applying same set of optimized condition and set up, transportation of Cd2+ ions reached up to 98% for real industrial waste, i.e., used tonner carbon along with other heavy metals. Surface morphology of fresh as well as used membrane was analyzed via scanning electron microscopy. Membrane stability and durability are one of the major interferences in extraction process causing loss of carrier, emulsion and chemical degradation, which is greatly overcome by this current setup. The current approach utilizing polypropylene-based SLM approach, attributed to its cost-effectiveness, simplicity in operation and high efficiency, can be effectively applied for Cd2+ ions separation from waste treatment plants on industrial level.