The Effect of Emulsifiers on the Emulsion Stability and Extraction Efficiency of Cr(VI) Using Emulsion Liquid Membranes (ELMs) Formulated with a Green Solvent

Abstract

The stability of emulsion liquid membranes (ELMs) and their ability to extract Cr(VI) were investigated. The objective of this study is to compare different ELM formulations using combinations of two hydrophilic (Tween 20 and Tween 80) and two lipophilic (polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) and Span 80) emulsifiers. TOPO (tri-n-octylphosphine oxide) as a carrier and a green solvent (sunflower oil) were used to provide high extraction efficiency of Cr(VI). All these double emulsions were characterized in droplet size distribution, zeta potential, visual inspection with a microscope, and stability. The best formulation was obtained with PGPR as the inner stabilizer and Tween 80 as the outer stabilizer, leading to Cr(VI) ion removal efficiency of up to 96%.