Emulsion liquid membrane stability in the extraction of ionized nanosilver from wash water

The discharge of ionized nanosilver into environment triggers a great concern owing to the toxicity problem for aquatic organism. In this study, emulsion liquid membrane used to extract the ionized nanosilver from wash water. Variables like carrier, stripping agent and surfactant concentrations, emulsifying time, homogenizer and agitation speed, pH feed phase, and effect of ionic liquid [BMIM]+[NTf2]−were investigated. The membrane phase containing Cyanex 302, Span 80, acidic Thiourea, and kerosene as carrier, surfactant, stripping agent, and diluent respectively. Results demonstrated that 99.89% of silver ion was extracted and ionic liquid show good performance on emulsion stability with 10% swelling.