ON THE MECHANISM OF METAL-IONS FACILITATED TRANSPORT THROUGH PSEUDO-LIQUID MEMBRANES

On the basis of FT-IR spectroscopy investigation and the data on the m embrane extraction the new ''flow-type'' mechanism of the facilitated transport of cobalt through a pseudo-liquid membrane - the tri-n-octyl amine (TOA) in n-decane solution, immobilised in porous polymeric nitr ocellulose microfilter Synpor, has been suggested. The specific channe ls of metal ions conductivity seem to be formed when the organic phase reaches a definite stoichiometrical composition of ingredients includ ing the metal ions. The swift current of protons takes with it negativ ely charged metal ions and transports them through the membrane agains t the metal concentration gradient. The empirical relationship between the TOA concentration by the maximum cobalt transport and its initial concentration has been found: C-max(TOA) = 0.33 Ig{C-in(Co)} + 3.30. This relationship describes the experimental data quite well and allow s the calculation (by the same condition) of the concentration of TOA providing more effective transfer of cobalt. It is shown that the natu re of the porous surface of a microfilter practically does not influen ce the mechanism of the cobalt ion transport.