Interfacial activity of metal ion extractant.

The interfacial activity of metal ion extractants is discussed. The interfacial tension isotherms are processed by matching the Szyszkowski equation, and estimation of selected parameters to discuss the interfacial activity of extractants. Results are presented in comprehensive tables and figures. The interfacial activity depends mainly on three different parameters; type of extractant, acidity of the aqueous phase and organic diluent. Strongly acidic extractants and protonated amine reagents exhibit the highest interfacial activity. The solvating reagents and non-protonated amines are on the opposite side of the scale, while the chelating reagents are somewhere in the middle. The acidity of the aqueous phase affects the interfacial activity of extractants, mainly by the ionisation (protonation and dissociation) of extractant molecules. Solvating diluents always decrease the interfacial activity of extractants.