NPTEL

Novel Separation Processes

Module :
6
Surfactant based separation processes:
Liquid membranes: fundamentals and modeling
Micellar enhanced separation processes
Cloud point extraction

Dr. Sirshendu De
Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
e-mail: [email protected]

Keywords:
Separation processes, membranes, electric field assisted separation, liquid
membrane, cloud point extraction, electrophoretic separation, supercritical fluid
extraction

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 1 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

Surfactant based Separation Processes

6.1 Cloud Point Extraction
Cloud Point:
When temperature is increased in aqueous solution of a non-ionic surfactant, solution
separates into two phases, beyond a particular temperature. This temperature is defined as
cloud point (CPT). The surfactant rich small phase is known as coacervate phase and the
bulk aqueous phase is known as lean or dilute phase.

Critical micellar concentration:

Any surfactant molecule has hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tail. Thus, at lower
concentration, they are aligned across the water-air interface, where, the hydrophobic tail
points towards the air. When the concentration of surfactant increases further, the
surfactants molecules come to the bulk to attain the minimum volume to surface ratio
(which is thermodynamically more stable) and they form the spherical globules, known
as micelles. In these micelles, the surfactant molecules are aligned such that the
hydrophilic heads point towards the aqueous solution and the hydrophobic tails form the
core. Therefore, the micelles have polar (hydrophilic) characters on its outer surface and
the core is hydrophobic. The concentration of surfactant at which this happens is known
as critical micellar concentration (CMC). Therefore, in the dilute phase during cloud
point extraction, surfactant concentration is about the critical micellar concentration
(CMC).

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 2 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

Mechanism of Phase separation:

Phase change about CPT is reversible. The possible mechanisms of phase separation are
as follows:
(i) For non-ionic surfactant, dielectric constant of water decreases as temperature
increases. This reduces interaction between hydrophilic part of surfactant and water.
Thus, above CPT, dehydration occurs in the external layer of micelle of non-ionic
surfactants.
(ii) At lower temperature, intermicellar repulsive force is dominant and beyond CPT, it
becomes attractive.

Mechanism of solubilization of solutes in coacervate phase:

For non ionic surfactants, the hydrophilic core is surrounded by a mantle of aqueous
hydrophilic chain. Non polar solutes are solubilized within hydrophobic core.
Hydrophobicity increases beyond CPT as extensive dehydration of polyoxyethylene
chains occurs. Thus, the organic solutes are solubilized within micelles core to a large
extent beyond CPT.

Applications:
Removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, polychlorinated compounds, vitamins
dyes, concentration of dilute solutions of heavy metals, etc. In fact, this method is utilized
quite frequently for analysing extremely dilute solutions by concentration them.

Typical non-ionic surfactants:

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 3 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

Triton X-100 (Iso octyl phenoxy polyethoxy ethanol): molecular weight (Mw): 628;
CMC= 2.8*10-4 (M); CPT= 640C.
Triton X-114(Octyl phenol poly ethylene glycol ether): Molecular weight: 537; CMC=
2.1*10-4 (M); CPT= 370C.
A case study of removal of dye from aqueous solution using cloud point extraction is
presented .
Case Study: Removal of chrysoidine dye.

Extraction:
A typical concentration of 100 ppm of the dye is selected. Both, TX-114 and TX-100 are
employed for removal of dye. Depending on their cloud point temperature, the operating
temperature for TX-114 is selected as 400C and that for TX-100 is 700C. Thus, the
operating temperature of the former surfactant is lower. It is observed that surfactant
concentration about 0.25 (M) is able to remove more than 95% of dye. In fact, the dye
extraction is about 95% for TX-100 and that for TX-114 is about 100%. This trend is
shown in Fig.6.1. The extraction of dye is defined as,
Extraction of dye,

E = 1

cd
cf

(6.1)

where, cd is concentration in dilute aqueous phase and c f is concentration of dye in feed.

The volume reduction factor is denoted as,

Fc =

Volume of coacervate phase

Total volume of solution

(6.2)

The value of Fc lies in between 0.04-0.23 for various operating conditions.

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 4 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

TX-114

100

TX-100 (750C)

95
Extraction
of dye (%)
0

Surfactant Concentration

0.25 M

Fig. 6.1: Variation of extraction of dye with surfactant concentration

Surfactant partition coefficient (m):

The partition coefficient is defined as the ratio of concentration of surfactant in
coacervate and dilute phase.
m=

Concentration of surfactant in coacervate phase

Concentration of surfactant in dilute phase

(6.3)

At constant temperature, surfactant concentration in dilute phase is nearly constant (near

CMC) according to the Phase diagram of such systems. Thus, to maintain material
balance, Fc increases as surfactant concentration in feed stream, [S]0 increases. More
micelles are formed in rich phase so that more extraction will takes place. A typical plot
of distribution coefficient with feed surfactant concentration is presented in Fig. 6.2.

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 5 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

1800
m
1000

TX-100
TX-114

[ S ]0, (M)

Fig. 6.2: Variation of surfactant partition coefficient with surfactant concentration in feed

Effect of temperature on extraction:

Temperature has pronounced effect on the extraction of solute. The effects are as follows:
(i) At high temperature, CMC of non-ionic surfactant decreases.
(ii) At high temperature, non-ionic surfactant becomes hydrophobic due to dehydration
of ether oxygen. So, number of micelles increases and solubilization capacity
increases with temperature.
Therefore, the extraction efficiency of the system increases with temperature. This is
demonstrated in Fig. 6.3.

TX-100

TX-114
99

98

Extraction (%)

Extraction (%)
92

97
740C

0
Temperature (0C) 90 C

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

400C

Page 6 of 41

0
Temperature (0C) 56 C

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

Fig. 6.3: Variation of dye extraction with temperature for Chrysoidine dye

Effect of pH:
The pK value of chrysoidine dye is about 6.0. Thus, at lower pH (< pK), dye is positively
charged or protonated, thereby, increasing its ionic character. Therefore, at lower pH, the
dye is less soluble in hydrophobic micelles. On the other hand, at higher pH dye is
deprotonated and is more soluble in the micelles. Therefore, dye extraction is more at
higher pH values. Fig. 6.4 shows that extraction increases significantly at higher pH
values.
TX-114, 0.075(M), 400C
100

TX-114, 0.075(M), 400C

Extraction (%)

84
2

pH

12

Fig. 6.4: Variation of dye extraction with pH for Chrysoidine dye

Effect of salt concentration:

Salts decrease cloud point of the surfactant due to salting out effect and promotes
dehydration of ethoxy group on outer surface of micelles. Therefore, extents of
solubilization in micelles are favoured at higher salt concentration. Cloud point of TX100

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 7 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

is 630C for 0.05(M) of NaCl and it is reduced to 540C for 0.5(M) of NaCl. The effect of
divalent salt is stronger than monovalent salt. This effect for dye is shown in Fig. 6.5.

TX-100
99

% Extraction

96
98

CaCl2
NaCl

92
0.1

Salt Concentration (M)

0.5

Fig. 6.5: Variation of dye extraction with salt concentration for Chrysoidine dye

Solubilization isotherm:
Moles of solute solubilized per mole of surfactant can be expressed in terms of
solubilization

isotherm. Such an isotherm qualitatively is presented in Fig. 6.6 for

solubilization of chrysoidine dye.

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 8 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

900C
750C
moles of solute solubilized
(qe)
mole of TX-100

Molar concentration of dye in dilute phase (Ce)

Fig. 6.6: Solubilization isotherm of chrysoidine dye at various temperature for TX-100

The isotherm can be expressed using the following Langmuir type expression:

qe =

mnce
1 + nce

(6.4)

Where, both m and n are functions of temperature. For chrysoidine- TX100 system,

m = 0.24 6 103 T + 3.7 105 T 2

n = 5 104 + 1.3 103 T 5.9T 2

(T is in 0 C)

(6.5)

(T is in 0 C)

(6.6)

Variation of fractional coacervate volume (Fc):

As discussed above, the fractional coacervate volume is a function of surfactant
concentration and it can be expressed by the following equation:

Fc = aC sb

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

(6.7)

Page 9 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

Where, Cs is the molar concentration of feed surfactant. The parameters a and b in above
equation are functions of temperature. These variations are generally linear as follows:

a = P + QT ;

(6.8a)

b = R + ST

(6.8b)

The parameters P, Q, R and S are functions of feed concentration of the surfactants or

they are almost constant. For TX-100, these are presented below,

P = 5.9 200Cs

1.9 108
Cs2

(6.9)

Q = 0.05

(6.10)

S = 0.09

(6.11)

4 109
R = 0.4 + 6.9Cs +
Cs2

(6.12)

Knowing the variation of various process parameters with the operating variables, it is
possible to design a cloud point extractor. This is demonstrated below.

Design of Cloud Point Extractor

In this section design procedure of a cloud point extractor is outlined. The definition of
the solubilization isotherm is given below.

qe =

moles of solute solubilized A

=
X
moles of surfactant used

(6.13)

Where, the moles of dye solubilized is presented as,

A = V0C0 Vd Ce

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

(6.14)

Page 10 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

V0 is initial volume of the extractor, C0 is initial concentration of solute, Vd is the volume

of dilute phase and Ce is final solute concentration in dilute phase. A rearrangement of
Eq.(6.14) leads to the following equation,

V
A = V0 C0 d Ce
V0

(6.15)

Now, invoking the definition of fractional coacervate volume the above equation
becomes,

A = V0 C0 (1 Fc ) Ce

(6.16)

= V0 C0 (1 aCsb ) Ce

(6.17)

Variation of Fc with surfactant concentration is given in Eq.(6.7). Using that definition,

Eqs.(6.13) and (6.15) are combined to the following equation.

X =

A V0
=
C 0 1 aC sb C e

qe qe

(6.18)

Cs is the initial feed concentration of surfactant and is defined as

Cs =

X
. Using
V0

Eq.(6.17) and definition of isotherm, the following equation of surfactant feed

concentration is obtained.

Cs =

C0 1 aCsb Ce
qe

C 0 1 aC sb C e (1 + nC e )

=
mnC e

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

(6.19)

Page 11 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

The above equation is the required design equation. Knowing, the operating temperature,
isotherm equation, and target value of solute in dilute phase (Ce), one can calculate the
concentration of surfactant Cs required to achieve that.

6.2 Micellar Enhanced ultrafiltration

Surfactants are surface active agents. There are generally three types of surfactants.
(i)

Ionic surfactants They have ionic head and non-ionic tail (Sodium dodecyl
sulphate)

(ii)

Non-ionic surfactants They are non-ionic in nature (polyethoxylates)

(iii)

Zwetternic Surfactants They are having both ionic and non-ionic characteristics

Ionic surfactants are two types.

(i)

Cationic surfactants (eg. is CPC - Cetyl pyridinium chloride): These surfactants

have positively charged heads when put in the aqueous solution.

(ii)

Anionic surfactants (eg. is SDS Sodium dodecyl sulfate): These surfactants have
negatively charged heads when put in the aqueous solution.

In aqueous solution CPC and SDS both are divided in to ionic forms.
CPC CP + + Cl

SDS Na + + DS

Critical micellar concentration (CMC):

When surfactant monomers are dissolved in aqueous solution, the hydrophilic heads point
towards the friendly aqueous environment and hydrophobic tails point towards air. This
is shown in Fig. 6.7.

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 12 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

Tail
Tail

Head
Head
Fig. 6.7: Alignment of surfactant monomers

Beyond a particular concentratin of monomer, monomers form globules and they enter
into the bulk of the solution. These globules or agglomerates of monomers are of
spherical in shape to have the minimum surface energy and are known as micelles. This
concentration of surfactants is known as critical micellar concentration (CMC). Typical
micelle diameter is nearly 2-10 nm. There exists a size distribution of micelles. CMC of
SDS is 8.1 mM and Mw of SDS monomer is 288. CMC of CPC is 0.88 mM and Mw of
CPC monomer is 340. For non-ionic surfactants CMC is very small.

Determination of critical micellar concentration (CMC):

It may be noted that various physical properties of the solution changes slope around the
CMC concentration. Surface tension drastically decreases beyond CMC. Osmotic
pressure and conductivity of the solution increase slowly beyond CMC. Some of these
typical variations with surfactant concentration are shown in Fig. 6.8.

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 13 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

Osmotic pressure
condition

Properties

Surface tension

Concentration of Surfactant

Fig. 6.8: Property variations with surfactant concentration

Therefore, measurement of such properties can lead to the determination of CMC by

observing the surfactant concentration where the slope of the curve changes.

Micellar enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF):

Thus, in case of anionic micelles (SDS), the outer surface of the micelles are negatively
charged and for cationic micelles (CPC), the outer surface of the micelles are positively
charged. Now, in case of oppositely charged pollutants present in the system, for
example, cations like zinc, cadmium, arsenic, etc., they will be attached on the outer
surface of anionic micelles of SDS. Anionic pollutants (like cyanidie, CN-1, manganate,
MnO4-1, dichromate, Cr2O3-2, etc.), get attached to the cationic micelles of CPC, CTBr,
etc., by electrostatic attraction. Therefore, for removal of cationic pollutants anionic
surfactants and for anionic pollutants, cationic surfactants should be used. If there are
some non-ionic, organic pollutants present in the solution, they can be dissolved within
the hydrophobic core of the micelles. Now, the transfer of the pollutants from the solution
phase to the micelle phase is almost instantaneous. Micelles being larger in size (nanocolloids), their sizes also increase with solubilization of the pollutant solutes. These larger

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 14 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

aggregates can now be separated by a more open pore sized membranes, like,
ultrafiltration at the expense of lower pumping cost. The micelles with solubilized
pollutants are retained by the membrane and the filtrate will be devoid of pollutants and
has the surfactant concentration to the level of CMC which is generally extremely low. In
fact, there are methods exist tom remove the left over surfactants in the filtrate stream by
suitable chemical treatments. The process of MEUF is depicted in Fig.6.9.

CN

Zn2+

MnO

Hydrophilic

Cd2+

Cr2 O72

As+

Hyd.

Organic solvents

CPC

SDS

Fig. 6.9: Schematic of MEUF process

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 15 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

``Quantification of MEUF
Extent of solubilization of the solutes within the micelles
The solubilization coefficient of the solutes in the micelle can be defined as,

S=

C0 C p
C CMC
s
0

Amount of solute solubilized

Amount of micelles

(6.20)

Where, C0 is the feed and Cp is the permeate concentration of the solute. C0s is the feed
concentration of the surfactants and CMC is the critical micellar concentration of the
surfactant.

For single component solute system

A Langmuir type isotherm is proposed. Following equation holds for a single component
system.

C0 C p
C CMC
s
0

QbC p

(6.21)

1 + bC p

Q and b are the coefficients of the isotherm.

For multi component solute system

An extended Langmuir isotherm type of equation is proposed for multicomponent solute
system

C01 C p1
C0s CMC

C02 C p 2
C0s CMC

Q1b1C p1

(6.22)

1 + b1C p1 + b2C p 2

Q2b2' C p 2

(6.23)

1 + b1'C p1 + b2' C p 2

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 16 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

In the above equations, subscripts 1 and 2 indicate the solutes 1 and 2.

Permeate flux
It is assumed that the surfactant micelles form a gel type of layer over the membrane
surface. At the steady state, the permeate flux of gel controlled filtration is given as,

J s = k ln

Cg

(6.24)

C 0s

Where, Cg is gel layer concentration . k is the mass transfer coefficient. The gel layer
concentration of CPC micelles is about 366 kg/m3 and that for SDS micelles is about 210
kg/m3. In presence of counter ions eg., Zn2+, Ca2+, Cu2+, etc., two phenomena occur. (i)
Presence of counter ions decreases CMC of the surfactants due to reduced electrostatic
repulsion; (ii) the gel layer concentration of the micelles decreases. The first phenomenon
is well known. The second one is newly found. This occurs as the multivalent counter
ions act as bridge between two charged micellar entities. Therefore, micelles tend to
precipitate at lower concentration due to this bridging effect. This is schematically
shown

in

Fig.

6.10

Zn++
Zn++

Fig. 6.10: Bridging effect of micelles in presence of counter ions

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 17 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

This, results into onset of gel layer formation at lower gel concentration. So, gel layer
concentration decreases from pure component. Therefore, a typical flux versus feed
concentration of the surfactants in presence of micelles looks like Fig. 6.11.

Cu=0

Flux

Cu=4 Kg/m3
ln c0 [SDS]

Fig. 6.11: Permeate flux with feed concentration of the surfactant during MEUF

From the work of Das et al. [2008], it is observed that the gel layer concentration of SDS
micelles decrease with counter ions as follows:
For Cu2+ :

Cg = 366 (1 0.21CCu )
= 292 3CCu

For Ca2+ :

for CCu < 1 Kg/m3

for 1 < CCu < 4 Kg/m 3

Cg = 366 (1 0.14CCa )

for CCa < 1 Kg/m3

= 318 4.37CCa

for 1 < CCa < 4 Kg/m 3

(6.25a)

(6.25b)

The mass transfer coefficient can be calculated from the following equations under
laminar flow conditions:

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 18 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes
1

kd
d 3

Sh = e = 1.86 Re Sc e b
D
L g

0.27

(6.26)

Effect of binary mixture on Cg

The reduction of gel layer concentration in presence of mixture of counter ions is also
important. This is presented for SDS and copper-calcium mixture in Table 6.1

Cu++:Ca++ (kg/m3) Cgmix (kg/m3)

0.5:3.0

311

1:2.5

302

2:2

298

3:1

291

4:0.5

281

Table 6.1: Change in gel layer concentration in presence of mixture of counter ions

Effects on change viscosity in presence of counter ions

It is to be noted that in presence of surfactant micelles and counter ions the viscosity of
the solution get affected. It has been experimentally observed that viscosity of the
surfactant solution increases in presence of counter ions. A typical such behavior is
shown in Fig. 6.12.

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 19 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

3 Kg/m3, Ca2+

(cp)

4 Kg/m3, Cu2+
Pure SDS

0.8

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

SDS Concentration (Kg/m3)

Fig. 6.12: Change in gel layer concentration in presence of mixture of counter ions

Determination of the viscosity of the solution in presence of counter ions at the gel point
is a complex phenomenon. The relevant calculation procedure is outlined in Das et al.
(2008). These viscosity variations need to be considered to estimate the mass transfer
coefficient.

Model for counterion binding localized adsorption model

The counter ion binding model of Rathman and Sacmehorn can be extended to evaluate
the amount of counter ions bound on the micelles by electrostatic attraction. In case of
SDS micelles and one solute (say, copper), the binding ratio of the solute is defined as,

K iC ie

i =
1 + K iC ie

z i
K BT

z i
K BT

+ K NaC Na e

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

z i
K BT

(6.27)

Page 20 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

Where, Ci is the bulk concentration of the solute; Ki is binding constant of ith component;

KNa is binding constant of Na and is the zeta potential of the micelle.

For a two component mixture, the above concept is extended and the following
expression is resulted.

K iCie

i =

1 + K Na C Na e

z i
K BT

z i
K BT
2

+ K iCi e

zi
K BT

(6.28)

i =1

The binding coefficient of ith component can be experimentally obtained as,

ie x p = 2

Ci C

s
C0

CMC
pi

(6.29)

It may be noted that CMC of the surfactant decreases with counter ion
concentration. The associated constants Ks and zeta potential of the micelles can be
estimated by optimizing the data over number of experimental data points.

S =

(
i =1

ex p
i ,C u

ca l
i ,C u

(
i =1

ex p
i ,C a

l
ica
,C a

(6.30)
Some typical values of these coefficients are presented below.
For single component system (SDS and copper): The values of the isotherm constants
are: K Cu = 70.87; K Na = 0.06; and = 11.15 mV . These values are for SDS and calcium
system, K Ca = 192; K Na = 0.06; and = 16 mV . Similar results are obtained for SDS
micelles and copper-calcium mixture. It is observed that in case of mixture, Ca2+ is more

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 21 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

favourably bound than Cu2+. The typical plots of binding / retention of counter ions on
the micelles are presented in Fig. 6.13.

6.3 Liquid Membranes

In this chapter, only emulsion liquid membrane is discussed. In this case, membrane is a
liquid phase involving an emulsion configuration. The emulsion is essentially a double
emulsion, i.e., water/oil/water or oil/water/oil system. For water/oil/water system: Oil
phase separating two aqueous phases is the liquid membrane. For oil/water/oil system:
Water is the liquid membrane. Surfactants are used for stabilizing the emulsion.

Applications of liquid membranes:

Some typical applications are listed below:
1) Removal of zinc from wastewater in viscose fibre industry.
2) Removal of phenol from wastewater.
3) Recovery of nickel from electroplating solution.
4) Removal of heavy metals.

Preparation:
An emulsion is prepared between two immiscible phases (under high stirring). Then the
emulsion is dispersed in a third (continuous) phase under continuous agitation.
Membrane phase is the liquid phase that separates the encapsulated, internal droplets in
the emulsion from the external phase. Membrane phase must not be miscible with either
of internal and external phase. To stabilize emulsion, membrane phase generally contains
some surfactants and additives as stabilizing agents. Typical sizes of internal droplets are
1-3 m diameter and those for emulsion gobule are 100-2000 m diameter. The
schematic of an emulsion droplet is shown in Fig. 6.14.

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 22 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes
Membrane phase
Globule of emulsion

Internal phase

Continuous phase

Fig. 6.14: A typical liquid membrane emulsion droplet

The system works like this. As shown in Fig. 6.14, the aqueous phase is present both
inside the emulsion droplet and as a continuous phase outside. Typically, internal phase
contains a species that reacts with the pollutant present in the external continuous phase.
The pollutant diffuses through the membrane phase, gets into the internal phase. As it
reacts with the reagent present in the external phase, the product cannot diffuse out the
membrane phase. In the process, the concentration gradient of pollutant species is
maintained at its maximum between the internal and external phase. Thus the removal of
pollutant occurs from the external phase. A typical example of removal of phenol by this
technique is described below.

ELM system for phenol removal:

A typical emulsion liquid membrane system for removal of phenol is shown in Fig. 6.15.
Phenol diffuse through membrane phase (hexane) and reacts with NaOH forms sodium
phenolate which is insoluble in oil phase and trapped inside. Extracted component can be
recovered from the loaded internal phase of emulsion by breaking the emulsion,
usually by the electrostatic coalescer.

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 23 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

Fig. 6.15: A typical liquid membrane emulsion droplet for removal of phenol

From breaking the emulsion, membrane phase recovered can then be recycled to the
emulsification step for preparation of the emulsion with fresh internal agent.

Facilitated Mechanism & driving force:

Type I facilitation:
Reaction in the internal phase maintains a solute concentration of effectively zero and
this make the driving force of solute transport maximum. Reaction of diffusing species
with a chemical reagent in internal phase forms a product which is incapable of diffusing
out (through the membrane), for example, sodium phenolate in the above example.

Type II facilitation:
Diffusing species are carried across the membrane phase by incorporating a carrier
compound (complexing agent), in the membrane phase, as shown in Fig. 6.16.

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 24 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

H2SO4
Zn2+

Zn2+
H+
Anions

Fig. 6.16: Transport of cations in presence of carrier in the membrane phase

Reaction takes place at external interface between external and membrane phase and also
at the internal interface between membrane and internal phase. Following reaction takes
place,
Zn ++ + 2 HR ZnR2 + 2 H +
(aq.)

(org.)

(org.) (aq.)

Zn++ in the external phase reacts at external interface with carrier compound, HR
in the membrane phase to form complex ZnR2. Here the carrier compound is D2EHPA ().
This reaction forms zinc complex in organic phase and releases protons to external
aqueous phase. Zinc complex diffuses across membrane phase to concentrated H2SO4 in
internal phase. At internal interface, stripping reaction takes palce:
ZnR2 + 2 H + Zn ++ + 2 HR
(org.) (aq.)

(aq.)

(org.)

Concentrated acid in internal phase strips Zn from the membrane phase to become
Zn++ ion and donates protons to extractant in membrane phase. Concentrated acid drives
stripping reaction to right and maintain a low concentrated of zinc complex, ZnR2, at
internal interface high driving force in terms of ZnR2.

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 25 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

In this case, driving force of proton transport pumps the transport of metal ion against
its own concentration difference between feed and receiving phase. Concentration of Zn
in internal phase becomes almost 70 times of feed. The schematic of the driving force is
shown in Fig. 6.17.
Membrane

AR2
H+

Receiving phase

H+

Feed

HR

A++

A++

Fig. 6.17: Driving forces in Type II facilitation

The advantage of ELM

Simultaneous extraction and stripping occur in one single step rather than two separate
steps as required by solvent extraction. Schematic of a continuous ELM process is shown
in Fig. 6.18.
External phase
Membrane phase

Internal phase
Extract
Emulsification

Dispersion/
Extraction

Settler
Raffinate

Fig. 6.18: Schematic of a continuous ELM process

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 26 of 41

Breaking

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

Modeling of Batch Extraction of Type I Facilitation:

The main transport mechanism involves in Type I facilitation is diffusion type of
transport. A Spherical shell approach is commonly used to quantify this phenomena.

Salient features of the model:

(i) Solute A from external phase diffuses to the internal phase and after reaction
becomes B. (with mass transfer coefficient kA)
(ii) B diffuses to the external phase via (a) diffusion (with mass transfer coefficient kB)
and (b) breakage (with breakage coefficient ).
(iii) In the external phase, B gets converted to A.
Thus, A can exist only in external phase and B can exist only in internal phase. In
the internal phase, the following reaction takes place
NaOH + Phenol Phenolate

The mechanism is shown in Fig. 6.19.

External
Reagent
Internal
reagent

H2SO4

B
NaOH

kB0,

Fig. 6.19: Schematic of Type I reaction in an emulsion droplet

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 27 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

Breakage:
Breakage of internal phase in terms of internal phase volume with time is assumed to
proportional to internal phase volume,

dVi
= Vi
dt

(6.31)

Where, is the breakage coefficient. Integrating of above equation results in the

following time variation of internal volume

Vi = Vi 0 e t

(6.32)

The total volume can be written as,

V0 = Ve 0 + Vi 0

(6.33)

Where, V0 is total initial volume; Ve0 is volume of external phase initially and Vi0 is
initial volume of internal phase. At any point of time, the following equation holds.

Ve + Vi = V0

(6.34)

Combining Eqs. (6.32) and (6.34) the following equation is resulted.

Ve = V0 Vi 0 e t

(6.35)

In this example, the external phase consists of Phenol + H2SO4. The internal phase is
aqueous solution of NaOH. In the internal phase, sodium phenolate is produced. Some
amount of Sodium phenolate comes to the solution through breakage and reacts with
sulphuric acid present in the external phase to produce phenol and sodium sulphate.
Concentration of A in internal phase is zero, CiA=0 (A exists only in external phase).
Concentration of B in external phase is zero CeB=0

(B exists only in internal phase).

k B0 = 0, because ionic species B cannot diffuse through oil-type membrane phase.

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 28 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

Balance equations in external phase:

We can write species A balance in the external phase,

d
(VeCeA ) = k A0CeA + ViCiB
dt
At t=0,

CeA=CeA0,

(6.36)

CiB=CiB0

Overall solute mass balance results the following:

Total solute mass att = Total initial mass

Vi CiB + VeCeA = Ve 0CeA0 + Vi 0CiB 0

(6.37)

The expression of species B is then obtained as,

CiB =

V
1
(Ve 0CeA0 + Vi 0CiB 0 ) + e CeA
Vi
Vi

(6.38)

Small Breakage
Assuming small breakage, for 1.4 105 s-1 , change in internal phase volume is less
than 5%. Thus, Vi and Ve can be assumed to be constant as,

Vi  Vi 0 ;

Ve  Ve 0

From Eq. (6.38), the following equation is obtained.

CiB =

Ve 0
V
CeA0 + CiB 0 + e 0 CeA
Vi 0
Vi 0

(6.39)

From Eq. (6.36), time variation of concentration of A is obtained.

dCeA
V
k0
= A CeA + i 0 CiB
dt
Ve 0
Ve 0
dCeA
V
k A0
CeA + i 0
=
dt
Ve 0
Ve 0

(6.40)

Ve 0

Ve 0
CeA
CeA0 + CiB 0 +
Vi 0
Vi 0

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 29 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

V
k A0
=
CeA + CeA0 + i 0 CiB 0 CeA
Ve 0
Ve 0

(6.41)

By simplifying this we finally get,

dCeA
+ CeA = 0
dt

(6.42)

V
k A0
Where, =
+ and = CeA0 + i 0 CiB 0 .
Ve 0
Ve 0

The above equation is a non-homogeneous ordinary differential equation with two parts,
homogeneous solution and particular integral.

Homogeneous solution:
h
dCeA
h
+ CeA
=0
dt

(6.43)

h
CeA
= k1 exp ( t )

(6.44)

Partial integral:
CeAp =

(6.45)

So, the final solution is obtained by linear superposition of above two solutions.
h
CeA = CeA
+ CeAp = k1 exp ( t ) +

At t=0,

(6.46)

CeA=CeA0. Thus, the integration constant is obtained.

CeA0 = k1 +

(6.47)

k1 = CeA0

(6.48)

Thus, the final solution is

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 30 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

CeA ( t ) = CeA0 e t +

1 e t )
(

(6.49)

Large Breakage
In this case, the variation of internal volume with time is
Vi = Vi 0 e t

(6.50)

The time variation of external phase becomes,

Ve = V0 Vi 0 e t

(6.51)

From the overall material balance, the following expression of concentration of B in

the internal phase becomes,
CiB =

Ve 0
V
V
CeA0 i 0 CiB 0 e CeA
Vi
Vi
Vi

1
Vi 0 e t

{(V

e0

) }

CeA0 Vi 0CiB 0 ) V0 Vi 0 e t CeA

(6.52)

The time variation of species A is obtained by undertaking A balance

d
(VeCeA ) = k A0CeA + ViCiB
dt

(6.53)

Combining Eqs. (6.52) and (6.53), the following equation is resulted.

CeA

dVe
dC
V e t
+ Ve eA = k A0 CeA + i t
dt
dt
Vi 0 e

{(V

e0

) }

CeA0 Vi 0CiB 0 ) V0 Vi 0 e t CeA

(6.54)
The final solution is obtained by simultaneous solution of Eq. (6.51) and (6.54).

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 31 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

Consumption of Chemical Reagent in external phase: (e.g. H2SO4 for

conversion of phenolate to phenol):
Consumption of H2SO4 in external phase is the amount required to convert phenolate to
phenol through leakage as well as to convert IR(NaOH) to salt through leakage.
t

We = (Vi CiB + Vi Cir ) dt

(6.55)

Where, Cir is concentration of internal reagent. A balance of internal reagent results:

d
(Vi Cir ) = k A0CeA + ViCir
dt

(6.56)

For Small Breakage:

dCir
k A0
= CeA + Cir
dt
Vi 0
dCir
k0
+ Cir = A
dt
Vi 0

t
t
CeA0 e + 1 e

dCir
k A0 t

t
+ e Cir =
e
e CeA0 e t + 1 e t

dt
Vi 0

k0
t ( )t
d t
e Cir = A CeA0 e ( )t +
e e

dt
Vi 0

By integrate this equation we get,

Cir =

At t=0,

k A0
Vi 0

e t

CeA0 +
+ k

( )

(6.57)

Cir=Cir0
k = Cir 0 +

k A0
Vi 0

CeA0 +

( )

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

(6.58)

Page 32 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

But,
t

We = (Vi CiB + Vi Cir ) dt

0

Consumption of chemical reagent (e.g. NaOH for conversion of phenol to phenolate) in

internal phase:
t

Wi = ( k A0 CeA + Vi Cir ) dt
0

For small breakage, Vi = Vi0 and can be used as constant and the above integration can be
evaluated numerically.

Solved Problems
1)

Phenol is removed from SDS micellar solution of 10 kg/m3. Feed concentration of phenol
is 20 mg/l. Solubilization of phenol in micelle, S=2.34 mg/gm. The solubilization
isotherm is given as, S =

Qb1C p
1 + b1C p

, where, S is in mg/mg, Q=0.1 mg/mg; b1= 9*10-2 l/mg.

If gel concentration of SDS is 280 kg/m3 and mass transfer coefficient is 2*10-5 m/s and
CMC of SDS is 2.3 kg/m3, find the permeate flux and permeate concentration of phenol?

Solution:
Flux is vw = k ln

Cg
C0s

= 2 105 ln

280
10

= 6.66 105

m3
m 2 .s

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 33 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

S=

Qb1C p
1 + b1C p
3

2.34 10 =

0.1 9 102 C p
1 + 9 102 C p

2.34 103 + 2.1 104 C p = 9 103 C p

8.79 103 C p = 2.34 103

C p = 0.266 mg / l
0.266
Observed retention of phenol = 1
100%
20

= 98.67%

2)

Copper is removed from an SDS micellar solution of 4 kg/m3. Copper concentration in

feed is 4 kg/m3. If mass transfer coefficient is 10-5 m/s find the permeate flux and
observed retention of copper?
C g = 292 3CCu ;

CMC = 2.3 kg / m3

Use localized adsorption model and binding rates of copper on SDS micelle is given as,
zCu e

K BT

=
z e
z e
1 + Cu CCu exp Cu + Na CNa exp Na
K BT
K BT

Cu CCu exp

Cu = 71; Na = 0.06; zCu = 2; z Na = 1; = 11 mV ; T = 300 K

Permeate flux = J = K ln

Cg
C0s

C g = 292 3 4 = 292 12 = 280 kg / m3

J = 105 ln

280
m3
= 3.33 105 2
10
m .s

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 34 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

zCu e

K BT
=
z e
z e
1 + Cu CCu exp Cu + Na CNa exp Na
K BT
K BT

Cu CCu exp

2 11103 1.6 1019

71 4 exp

1.38 1023 300

=
2 11 103 1.6 1019
111 103 1.6 1019
1 + 71 4 exp
0.06
20
exp
+

1.38 1023 300

1.38 1023 300

284 exp ( 0.85 )

1 + 284 exp ( 0.85 ) + 1.2 exp ( 0.425 )

284 0.427
= 0.985
1 + 284 0.427 + 0.78
C01 C p1

s
C0 CMC

= 2

0.985 = 2

(4 C )
p1

(10 2.3)

3.79 = 4 C p1
C p1 = 0.21 kg / m3

R0 = 1

3)

0.21
= 94.75%
4

Design of a cloud point extractor:

Cloud point extraction of a dye is carried out using TX-100 surfactant at 700C. Dye
concentration has to be reduced to 3.8*10-6 (M) from 4*10-4 (M) concentration. Find the
concentration of surfactant TX-100 required for this purpose?
Data: Solubilization isotherm of dye in surfactant micelle, qe =

mnCe
1 + nCe

Ce = molar concentration of dye in final dilute solution.

m = 2.4 101 5.9 103 T + 3.7 105 T 2 ,
Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

T in 0C
Page 35 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

n = 5 104 + 1.3 103 T 5.9T 2

a = P + QT

b = R + ST

Where, P = 5.9 200C0 1.9 108 C02 ;

R = 0.39 + 6.9C0 + 4 109 C02 ;

Q = 0.05
S = 0.09

Here, C0 = Molar concentration of dye in feed

Solution:
Cs = Surfactant concentration required
C0 (1 aCsb ) Ce [1 + nCe ]

=
mnCe

T = 700C
m = 0.24 5.9 103 ( 70 ) + 3.7 105 ( 702 )

= 8.3 103
n = 5 104 + 1.3 103 70 5.9 ( 702 )
= 1.21104
C0 = 4 104 (M)
P = 5.9 200 4 104

1.9 108

( 4 10 )

4 2

= 5.7

a = 5.7 0.05 70 = 2.2

R = 0.39 + 6.9 4 104 +

4 109

( 4 10 )

4 2

= 0.418

b = 0.418 + 0.09 70 = 6.718

4 104 (1 2.2Cs6.718 ) 3.8 106 1 + 1.21 104 3.8 106

Cs =
3
4
6
8.3 10 1.21 10 3.8 10

= ( 3.96 104 + 8.36 106 Cs6.718 ) 2740.8

Cs  1.085 (M)

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 36 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

4)

A dye is removed from 3*10-4 (M) concentration using cloud point extraction with 0.05
(M) TX-114 solution at 400C. Find out the dye concentration in dilute phase?

Solution:
C0 (1 aCsb ) Ce [1 + nCe ]

Cs =
mnCe

Dye- TX 114:
m = 0.47 1.9 102 T + 2.1 104 T 2
n = 1.6 105 + 5.9 103 T 37.4T 2

a = P 0.11T ;

b = R + 0.09T

P = 9.4 8 103 C0 +

1.8 108
C02

2.2 109
R = 4.2 10 2.4 10 C0 +
C02
1

Given that,

P = 7.2;

R = 0.276

At T = 400C, m = 0.046
n = 16160

Given that,
So,

C0 = 3*10-4 (M)

a = 7.2 0.11 40 = 2.8

b = 0.276 + 0.09 40 = 3.324

Given as,

So,

Cs = 5*10-2 (M)

3 104 1 2.8 5 102 3.324 C [1 + 16160C ]

(
)
e
e

5 102 =
0.046 16160 Ce
37.17Ce = ( 3 104 Ce ) (1 + 16160Ce )
37.17Ce = 3 104 Ce + 4.85Ce 16160Ce2

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 37 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

16160Ce2 + 33.32Ce 3 104 = 0

Ce =

33.32 + 33.322 + 4 16160 3 104

2 16160

= 8.96 106 (M)

5.

Phenol is removed in an emulsion liquid membrane system from its initial concentration
of 10 ppm. The volume of external phase (sulfuric acid) is 50 ml and that od internal
phase (sodium hydroxide) is 10 ml. The internal reagent concentration initially was 6
ppm. Breakage coefficient is 1*10-5 s-1 and A0 = 103 ml / s . Find phenol concentration in
the bulk phase after 5 hours?

Solution:
CeA = CeA 0 e t +

A0
Ve0

(1 et )

+ ;

= Ce +

A0

Vi 0
CiB 0
0
Ve

= Breakage coefficient = 1.0 105 s 1

CeA 0 = initial phenol concentration = 10 ppm

A= Phenol;

Ve0 = Volume of external phase = 50 ml

Vi 0 = Volume of internal phase = 10 ml

A0 = 103 ml / s
=

103
+ 1.0 105 = 3 105 s 1
50

= 1.0 105 10 +
CeA = 10e 310

10
6 = 11.2 105
50

5
11.2 105
1 e310 t
5
3 10

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

)
Page 38 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

= 10e 310

+ 3.73 1 e 310

= 3.73 + 6.27e 310

t = 5 hrs = 5 3600 s

CeA = 7.38 ppm

References
1. A. K. Agrawal, C. Das and S. De, Modeling of extraction of dyes and their mixtures
from aqueous solution using emulsion liquid membrane, Journal of Membrane Science,
360 (2010) 190-201.
2. C. Das, S. DasGupta and S. De, Prediction of permeate flux and counterion binding
during cross flow micellar enhanced ultrafiltration, Journal of Colloids & Surfaces A:
Physicochemical Aspects, 318 (2008) 125-133.
3. C. Das, S. DasGupta and S. De, Simultaneous separation of mixture of metal ions and
aromatic alcohol using cross flow micellar enhanced ultrafiltration and recovery of
surfactant, accepted in Separation Science and Technology, 43(1) (2008) 71-92.
4. M. K. Purkait, S. DasGupta, S. De," Performance of TX-100 and TX-114 for the
separation of chrysoidine dye using cloud point extraction ", Journal of Hazardous
Materials, 137, 827-835, 2006.
5. M. K. Purkait, S. DasGupta, S. De," Micellar enhanced ultrafiltration of eosin dye using
hexadecyl pyridinium chloride ", Journal of Hazardous Materials, 136, 972-977, 2006.
6. M. K. Purkait, S. DasGupta, S. De," Determination of design parameters for the cloud
point extraction of congo red and eosin dyes using TX-100 ", Separation & Purification
Technology, 51, 137-142, 2006.

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 39 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

7. M. K. Purkait, S. Banerjee, S. Mewara, S. DasGupta, S. De, "Cloud point extraction of

toxic eosin dye using Triton X-100 as nonionic surfactant", Water Research, 39, 38853890, 2005.
8. M. K. Purkait, S. DasGupta, S. De, Simultaneous separation of two oxyanions from
their mixture using micellar enhanced ultrafiltration, Separation Science & Technology,
40, 1439-1460, 2005.
9. M. K. Purkait, S. DasGupta, S. De, Micellar enhanced ultrafiltration of phenolic
derivatives from their mixture, Journal of Colloid & Interface Science, 285, 395-402,
2005.
10. M. K. Purkait, S. DasGupta and S. De, Separation of aromatic alcohols using micellar
enhanced ultrafiltration and recovery of surfactant, Journal of Membrane Science, 250,
47-59, 2005.

11. M. K. Purkait, S. S. Vijay, S. DasGupta, S. De, "Separation of congo red by surfactant

mediated cloud point extraction", Dyes & Pigments, 63, 151-159, 2004.

12. M. K. Purkait, S. DasGupta and S. De, "Micellar enhanced ultrafiltration in phenolic

derivatives", Research & Innovations, Issue 13, 23-28, 2004.

13. M.K.Purkait, S DasGupta, S. De, "Resistance in series model for micellar enhanced
ultrafiltration of eosin dye" Journal of Colloid & Interface Science, 270, 496-506, 2004.

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 40 of 41

NPTEL
Novel Separation Processes

14.

M.K.Purkait, S DasGupta, S. De," Removal of dye from wastewater using

micellar enhanced ultrafiltration and regeneration of surfactant", Separation &

Purification Technology, 37, 81-92, 2004.

Joint Initiative of IITs and IISc - Funded by MHRD

Page 41 of 41