Extraction of Fe(III) Ions through MDLM System Containing TOPO as Carrier

Abstract

In this study, the transport and mechanism of Fe(III) ions in acidic solution were investigated by using TOPO as carrier dissolved in kerosene with multi-drop membrane system. The parameters which are important in the transport of Fe(III) ions and their effects on the extraction process have been studied. These parameters are the effects of concentration of HCl solutions of donor phase, concentration of NaCl solutions of acceptor phase, concentration of TOPO solution of organic phase, transfer rate of organic phase, and temperature of the system. The optimum conditions for extraction of Fe(III) ions was conducted as 2.00 M of HCl and 100 mgL-1 Fe(III) ions for donor phase, 1.5x10-2 M of TOPO, 2.00 M NaCl of acceptor phase, 50 mLmin-1 of flux rate at 298.15 K. Over time, the reduction curves of the Fe(III) ions in the donor phase showed good agreement with the experimental data on the organic and acceptor phases. The activation energy was determined as 25.79 kJmol-1 and the extraction of Fe(III) ions was carried out by an intermediated-controlled process.