Facilitated transport and separation of manganese and cobalt by a supported liquid membrane using DP-8R as a mobile carrier

The transport of manganese and cobalt ions from sulphate solutions through a supported liquid membrane containing DP-8R (acidic extractant) dissolved in Exxsol D100 as a mobile carrier was investigated at 20 °C. The transport system was studied as a function of several variables: stirring speed of the source and receiving phases, concentration of the strippant in the receiving phase, pH of the source phase, diluent of the membrane phase and extractant and metal concentrations in the membrane and source phases, respectively. Higher selectivity in the separation of manganese and cobalt was obtained when the source phase presented higher [Co]/[Mn] concentration ratios.