ABSTRACT
The solvent for the liquid ion exchanger is very important as it affects the pK of the liquid ion exchanger which is important in the efficiency of the extraction. Some of the solvents used are benzene, carbon tetrachloride, cyclohexane, kerosene, toluene, n-heptane, octane, petroleum ether, xylene. While both the liquid ion exchanger and solvent are important in determining the selectivity of an ion, the selectivity may be improved or increased with the addition of neutral molecules. Because of the higher content of polar groups per unit weight or volume, liquid ion exchangers have higher capacities than polymeric exchangers. Some advantages are low rinse requirements, fast kinetics, and more concentrated solutions that can be obtained than with standard ion exchangers. The process limitations are some loss of the liquid ion exchanger due to trace solubilities and adherence to solids. This represents an economic loss.
