Extraction of Dexamethasone from water by emulsion liquid membrane using Aliquat 336 as carrier

Emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) was synthesized by Ultrasonic Homogenizer and using kerosene as the membrane phase, Aliquat 336 as carrier, Span 80 as the surfactant and NaOH solution as the inner phase and was used for separation of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP) from aqueous solutions. The effect of operating parameters, such as surfactant concentration, stirring speed and carrier concentration were studied. Results show that the optimum points of these parameters are 4wt. % of Aliquat for carrier concentration, 6wt. % of span 80 in the membrane phase and stirring speed of 300 rpm. The final extraction test in the optimum conditions demonstrates DSP recovery of 99.91%.

Keywords:

emulsion liquid membrane , optimization , surfactant , carrier , stirring speed