Supported Liquid Membrane Separators for the Electrowinning of Metals, Final Report. SBIR Phase II

摘要

The objective of the program is to investigate the properties and use of supported liquid membranes (SLM) as separators in electrochemical cells and processes. An organic ion complexing agent, often combined with a suitable modifier to form a solution substantially insoluble in an aqueous electrolyte, is infused into a hydrophobic microporous polymer support to form the SLM. The organic liquid is held by strong surface tension forces in the membrane. Experiments were performed to gain a better understanding of how SLMs work and develop a predictive ability for designing new and appropriate separator systems. Using spectrochemical, spectroelectrochemical, and advanced electroanalytical methods, tri-n-octyl amine based SLMs were examined to obtain information on organic retention in the membrane, water incorporation into the organic constituent and organic-metal ion complex formation.