Rapid transfer of methyl red using calix[6]arene as a carrier in a bulk liquid membrane

In the present investigation, a calix[6]arene-based derivative (1) is employed as a selective carrier for the efficient transport of methyl red (MR) through bulk liquid membrane (BLM). Initially, the selectivity of 1 towards MR was confirmed among different dyes, such as methyl green (MG), methyl violate (MV), methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), and eosin gelblich (EG) by liquid–liquid extraction experiments. Furthermore, the effect of the initial MR concentration of salts (NaCl, Na2SO4, and Na2CO3) and of the pH of the acceptor phase were also optimized using liquid–liquid extraction. Afterwards, the influence of basic parameters, such as carrier concentration in membrane phase, type of solvent, and stirring rate on MR transport was determined through BLM. Mass transfer of MR through BLM was analyzed by following the kinetic laws of two consecutive irreversible first-order reactions, and the kinetic parameters (k1, k2, Rmmax, tmax, Jdmax, Jamax) were also calculated. Apparently, increase in membrane entrance (k1) and exit rate (k2) constants was accompanied by a rise in carrier concentration under a high stirring rate. In addition, CH2Cl2 proved to be a better solvent than CHCl3 and CCl4. The % transport of MR was 99% across the liquid membrane under optimized conditions. Real textile industrial wastewater samples gave also appreciable results in BLM under optimized conditions.