Synthesis and characterization of polymeric inclusion membrane containing Dibenzo-18-Crown- 6 as carrier of uranium ions
Abstract
Liquid radioactive waste generated during nuclear operations has a variable chemical and radioactive composition. Uranium is among the most dangerous radionuclide present in this liquid waste due to its chemical toxicity and radioactivity, hence the need for its removal from aqueous solutions. Several techniques have been used for this purpose.Polymer inclusion membranes, also called third-generation membranes, are used for this treatment; they have the advantage of being selective because they incorporate specific extractants into their structure. In this study, cellulose triacetate (CTA)-based polymer inclusion membranes containing 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (2-NPOE) as a plasticizer and dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DB18C6) as a carrier, in different amounts (0.04, 0.07, and 0.1 g), were synthesized. The physicochemical and structural properties of the synthesized membranes were determined.Characterization results from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) show that DB18C6 is properly incorporated into the polymer matrix of the membrane. Characteristic bands of the polymer, plasticizer, and carrier are present in the FTIR spectra of the CTA-2NPOE-DB18C6 membrane. This result is confirmed by SEM analysis, which reveals that the polymer pores of the membrane are filled by plasticizer and carrier molecules. The performance of the prepared membranes with respect to uranium was studied by determining the amount of uranium fixed to the membrane. The results showed that 0.07 g of DB18C6 is sufficient for maximum uranium binding (92%) to the membrane, compared to membranes containing 0.04 g and 0.1 g of the DB18C6.
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