Extraction of Cu(II) from aqueous solutions by vegetable oil-based organic solvents.
Various types of vegetable oil-based organic solvents (VOS), i.e. vegetable oils (corn, canola, sunflower and soybean oils) with and without extractants (di-2-ethylhexylphosphoric acid (D2EHPA) and tributylphosphate (TBP)), were investigated into their potentiality as greener substitutes for the conventional petroleum-based organic solvents to extract Cu(II) from aqueous solutions. The pH-extraction isotherms of Cu(II) using various vegetable oils loaded with both D2EHPA and TBP were investigated and the percentage extraction (%E) of Cu(II) achieved by different types of VOS was determined. Vegetable oils without extractants and those loaded with TBP alone showed a poor extractability for Cu(II). Vegetable oils loaded with both D2EHPA and TBP were found to be the most effective VOS for Cu(II) extraction and, thus, are potential greener substitutes for the conventional petroleum-based organic solvents.
Chang
Siu Hua
SH
Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 13500 Permatang Pauh, Penang, Malaysia.
Teng
Tjoon Tow
TT
Ismail
Norli
N
D003300:Copper / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D055772:Green Chemistry Technology; D010938:Plant Oils; D012996:Solutions; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D010938:Plant Oils; D012996:Solutions; D012997:Solvents; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D003300:Copper