Facilitated kinetic transport of Cu(II) through a supported liquid membrane with calix[4]arene as a carrrier

In the present investigation, p-morpholinomethylcalix[4]arene (1) has been examined as a carrier in supported liquid membrane (SLM) for Cu(II) transport. The influence of different parameters, such as solvent, membrane dipping time, support membrane, co-anions, donor and acceptor pH, and carrier concentration on Cu(II) transport, was checked. The permeability values were calculated by using Danesi mass transfer model. Higher Cu(II) permeability was observed in diphenyl ether, with 1 h dipping time, Celgard 2500 and Cl− as co-anion. The optimum pH for donor phase was 2 and that for acceptor phase was neutral at 10−3 M carrier concentration. Diffusion coefficients were calculated using Reinhoudt's model, lag time measurements as well as by Wilke–Chang relation and compared. The transport was found to be diffusion-controlled in the membrane phase and the diffusion coefficient was calculated to be 1.54 × 10−10 m/s whereas the extraction constant was calculated to be 1.19 × 10−5 m/s.