Separation and Enrichment of Weak Organic Acids or Bases by Immobilized Liquid Membranes

A new and effective liquid membrane process to achieve both separation and enrichment simultaneously of weak organic acids or bases was developed. The process utilizes effectively the difference in the apparent partition coefficient of the constituent species between the aqueous and organic phases, and uses the change of the apparent partition coefficients with the hydrogen ion concentration of the aqueous phase. For such a fundamental model apparatus as a diaphragm diffusion cell being operated batch wise, the effects of pK value of solutes, permeability of solutes through the membrane, volume ratio of liquids in two aqueous phases, and pH value of aqueous phase on enrichment factor and selectivity for the solute to be concentrated were discussed analytically. Separation and enrichment were demonstrated using aqueous mixed solutions of fumaric acid and L-malic acid. The results were in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.