The transport of Zn(II) ions across polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) with acetylacetone (ACAC) or di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D₂EHPA) as carriers was studied. Polymeric membranes consisting of polyvinylchloride (PVC) as the support, bis(2-ethylhexyl)adipate (DAO) as plasticizer, and ACAC or D₂EHPA as ion carriers were investigated. The highest recovery factors for Zn(II) ions were observed in the case of a membrane containing 20% acac (99.6%) and 60% D₂EHPA (56.3%). The prepared PIMs were examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. Their mechanical properties were also determined. The influence of membrane morphology and mechanical properties on the zinc transport process was discussed.
Keywords: membrane mechanical properties; membrane morphology; metal ion separation; polymer inclusion membrane; zinc(II).