Mathematical modeling of Cs(I) transport through flat sheet supported liquid membrane using calix-[4]-bis(2,3-naptho)-18-crown-6 as the mobile carrier

A simple mathematical model was developed for simulating the transport of cesium through the flat sheet supported liquid membrane containing calix-[4]-bis(2,3-naptho)-18-crown-6 (CNC) as carrier ligand. Experiments were performed with cesium nitrate in 3 M nitric acid as feed solution and distilled water was used as strip. Membrane pores were impregnated with the carrier ligand (CNC) in 2-nitrophenyl-octyl ether (NPOE) and n-dodecane mixture as diluent. The model is based on the principle of facilitated diffusional transport mechanism with simultaneous extraction and stripping at both sides of membrane. It predicts the rate of transport of cesium from feed solution under various operating conditions and system compositions. It is observed that the prediction of the model is fairly in agreement with the experimental results.

Graphical abstractA simple mathematical model was developed for simulating the transport of cesium through the flat sheet supported liquid membrane containing calix-[4]-bis(2 3-naptho)-18-crown-6 (CNC) as carrier ligand. Experiments were performed with cesium nitrate in 3 M nitric acid as feed solution and distilled water was used as strip. Membrane pores were impregnated with the carrier ligand (CNC) in NPOE and n-dodecane mixture as diluent. The model is based on the principle of facilitated diffusional transport mechanism with simultaneous extraction and stripping at the both sides of membrane. It predicts the rate of transport of cesium from feed solution under various operating conditions and system compositions. It is observed that the prediction of the model is fairly in agreement with the experimental results.As nuclear waste management is one of the most challenging problems faced by separation chemists the removal of Cs-137 prior to the vitrification of the high level waste (HLW) can remarkably reduce the radioactive dose and hence ease personnel exposure problems. Supported liquid membrane based methods have been suggested as possible green alternatives to the solvent extraction methods. The present paper is the first such report on modeling of Cs transport data using calix-crown ligands.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Simulation of cesium transport through flat sheet supported liquid membrane containing a calix-crown ligand was done with a developed mathematical model. ► Facilitated diffusional transport mechanism was used for the development of the model. ► The prediction of the model is satisfactory with respect to the experimental results.