Phenomenological and Mathematical Description of the Osmotic Influence in the Liquid Membrane Technique

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Abstract
Osmosis is a function of many parameters. The liquid membrane equilibrium driving force is given by a difference in ionic strengths. The dynamical behavior is strongly influenced by surface-active substances. A surfactant has to be used to stabilize the W/O-emulsion. Additionally, the transport of heavy metal ions necessitates the use of a carrier, which is also interfacially active. A synergism in respect to the osmosis between these two interfacially active substances dissolved in the membrane phase can be found. Process conditions such as pH, ionic strength, temperature, and viscosity of solvent influence the degree of swelling phenomenon of W/O-emulsion during liquid membrane permeation. It allows prognosis of osmosis and breakup, important factors for industrial optimization of the liquid membrane technique.