Comparative studies on transport of U(VI) by TBP and DHDA using flat sheet supported liquid membrane (FSSLM)

Extraction behavior of U(VI) from nitric acid medium was studied employing micro-porous membrane (PTFE) with N,N-dihexyldecanamide (DHDA) and tributylphosphate (TBP) as extractant in n-dodecane. The feed solution contained tracer amount of uranium in 1M HNO₃, 3M HNO₃, while distilled water was used as strippant. Uranium transport studies were carried out using a flat sheet supported liquid membrane (FSSLM) containing 1.1 M ligand in n-dodecane as carrier. The experimental observations suggested that although % transport (after 4 hours) of U(VI) with DHDA was lower as compared to TBP, yet DHDA can be used as alternative extractant for uranium extraction. The lesser transport of metal by DHDA is due to the lower distribution ratio of uranium with DHDA as compared to TBP. Effects of feed acidity and feed metal ion concentration on the extraction rate were also examined. The studies were performed under different conditions and the overall transport behavior of the metal ion was observed