Osaka University, Graduate School of Science, Department of Chemistry, Toyonaka, Osaka 560, Japan
Abstract:
Fundamental properties of microemulsions in relation to their utilization in liquid state separation methods of ionic and non-ionic compounds are briefly reviewed. Discussions are focused on some characteristics functions of o/w (L1) and w/o (L2) single-phase microemulsions and the two-phase microemulsion systems of Winsor I and Winsor II from the viewpoint of their use as separation media in solvent extraction, liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis. Through reviewing, practical advantages of the microemulsion media in the separation of metal ions and biological compounds are assessed.