LAUSR

Abstract A novel strategy for a three-compartment module with selective polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) was proposed for the simultaneous recovery of copper ions from two different feed solutions using 2-hydroxy-5-nonyl-benzaldoxime (M5640) as the carrier. The effects of the membrane composition and the concentration of sulfuric acid in the stripping solution on the transport of Cu(II) were evaluated. The simultaneous transport of Cu(II) through the PIMs was further performed from both copper–nickel–cobalt and copper–zinc solutions in a three-compartment module. The results showed that Cu(II) could be selectively transported into the stripping solution, whereas Ni(II), Co(II), and Zn(II) were left in the respective raffinates. Moreover, FT-IR, XPS and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analyses of the PIMs were performed to disclose the selective transport mechanism of Cu(II). To further verify the feasibility of the innovative application, the continuous enrichment transport and membrane stability were tested and compared with the performance of other liquid membrane systems. Owing to its high efficiency, selectivity, and good membrane stability, the three-compartment module can be potentially used for the removal and recovery of target metal ions from various leachates and industrial raffinates.