SYNERGISTIC EXTRACTION AND TRANSPORT OF Pb(II) AND Cu(II) THROUGH POLYMERIC MEMBRANES USING A MIXTURE OF D2EHPA AND TOPO IN THE PRESENCE OF EDTA

In this work, we studied the synergistic extraction and transport of Copper (II) and Lead (II) through polymeric membranes using two polymers, such as methyl methacrylate (PMMA) and cellulose triacetate (CTA), as polymeric matrix. A mixture of two extractants, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) and tri-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO), in a 1:1 volume ratio, was used as a specific carrier. This extractant mixture forms stable metal complexes, thereby enhancing the selective transport of the target ions. Coupling the process with EDTA in the strip phase further improves the recovery of Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺, while minimizing back-diffusion, plasticized with di-octyl phthalate (DOP) by the solvent evaporation method. The membranes were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA-DSC). This new approach combines the specific characteristics of extractants (D2EHPA/TOPO) with the advantages of plasticized polymer membranes, which enable heavy metals to be separated and concentrated. An effective and environmentally sustainable solution is proposed thanks to the properties of the extractants and the characteristics of the plasticized polymer membranes. This method offers an effective, sustainable and ecological solution for more responsible management of metal resources and environmental protection.