This research deals with a process for selective separation of metal ions from aqueous solutions using the highly selective complexing properties of various ligands. The ligands, with attached hydrophobic tails, would then be adsorbed on surfactant micelles and easily separated by ultrafiltration due to the relatively large size of the micelles. The Principle Investigators call the process ligand- modified micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration. Equilibrium conditions for various metal-ligand complexes will be measured and the overall separation process will be demonstrated. The research may lead to a useful new separation technique for removal of undesired metal ions from industrial aqueous waste streams and to recovery of desired metals from mining waste streams.
