Journal of Membrane Science, Vol.186, No.1, 53-61, 2001
Enhanced flux and selectivity of metals through a dialysis membrane by addition of complexing agents to receiving phase
The transport fluxes of Cu2+ and Ni2+ from single and binary feed solutions through a dialysis membrane to a receiving solution containing complexing agent were measured at 298 K. Two complexing agents, polyethylenimine (PEI) and ethylene-diaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) were selected. Experiments were performed at different feed concentrations of metals (1.5 similar to 34.5 mol/m(3)), receiving concentrations of the complexing agent (0 similar to 25.6 mol/m(3)), and current densities (0 similar to 185 A/m(2)). It was shown that the fluxes and selectivity factors of metal ions were enhanced with increasing concentrations of metals and the complexing agents. In contrast to the absence of applied voltage, the fluxes of metals were significantly increased but the selectivity factor of Cu2+ over Ni2+ reduced in the presence of electric field.
Keywords:flux;selectivity factor;enhancement;cation exchange membrane;Cu2+;Ni2+;EDTA;polyethylenimine