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 Original Research Article

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.