SEPARATION OF L-VALINE BY ANIONIC CARRIER-MEDIATED TRANSPORT IN A SUPPORTED LIQUID MEMBRANE

An anionic carrier-mediated separation of L-valine from the dilute aqu eous solution was studied with a liquid membrane, constituted by a sol ution of D2EHPA (Di-2-Ethyl Hexyl Phosphoric Acid) in l-decanol and su pported by a hydrophobic microporous membrane. The equilibrium and tra nsport rate data are reported in terms of distribution coefficients En d mass transfer coefficients under the varying conditions of feed phas e pH and carrier concentration. The experimental results obtained are analyzed to confirm the mechanism of the complex formation between car rier and L-valine and to describe the transport rate of L-valine throu gh the supported liquid membrane by an appropriate theoretical model. The selectivity and the stability of the supported liquid membrane und er study were also evaluated to ensure its potential application as a commercial down-stream process.