Multilayer membranes of p-sulfonato-calix[8]arene and polyvinylamine and their use for selective enrichment of rare earth metal ions

Using alternating electrostatic layer-by-layer assembly of p-octasulfonato-calix[8]arene and polyvinylamine, multilayer assemblies were built up on porous polymer supports. The resulting composite membranes with ultrathin separation layer were studied on their permeability for various metal chloride salts in aqueous solution. The membranes were permeable for sodium chloride, but much less permeable for divalent metal chlorides such as magnesium and zinc chloride, the theoretical separation factors α (NaCl/MgCl2) and α (NaCl/ZnCl2) being 43 and 20. Rare earth metal chlorides LnCl3 with Ln being La, Ce, Pr and Sm and the related YCl3 were strongly rejected from the membrane, the theoretical separation factors α (NaCl/LaCl3) and α (NaCl/YCl3) being 138 and 160, for example. Possible origins for the selective ion transport are discussed in terms of Donnan rejection of the highly charged ions and complex formation of the rare earth metal ions with the p-sulfonato-calixarene units in the membrane.