Modeling of diffusion-limited, neutral trialkylphosphate-mediated uranium(VI) transport across a supported liquid membrane

A membrane diffusion-limited transport model has been proposed to precisely describe U(VI) transport by various neutral trialkylphosphates. (RO)3PO, in thin sheet supported liquid membranes. Analysis of this model was performed by examining transport of uranyl nitrate by these ionophores. The model parameters taken into account include membrane composition, solute diffusion coefficient across the membrane and an equilibrium constant for the extraction process. An excellent correspondence between experimental and calculated values of permeability coefficient, P, is clearly seen. (author)