Utilization of transport efficacy of novel calix[4]arene-embedded polymer inclusion membrane towards trace metals

In this study, 25,27-bis(3-mercaptopropoxyl)-26,28-dihydroxy calix4]arene was successfully synthesized from the reaction of calix4]arene-dialkylbromide derivative with thiourea. The structure of 25,27-bis(3-mercaptopropoxyl)-26,28-dihydroxy calix4]arene was fully characterized using ¹HNMR, ¹³CNMR and elemental analysis techniques. The obtained mercapto-substituted calix4]arene derivative was employed as an additive material along with cellulose triacetate (CTA) and 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (o-NPOE) for the preparation of a novel polymer inclusion membrane (C@PIM). The structure and surface morphology of mercapto-substituted calix4]arene-embedded polymer inclusion membrane was determined using thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis techniques. Donnan dialysis system was also used to assess the transport efficacy of C@PIM towards Pb(II), Zn(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Cd(II) and Co(II) ions. The results show that new C@PIM exhibited 99% transport efficacy but also selectivity toward Ni(II) and other ions.