Removal of iron-cyanide complexes using micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration

Abstract

Micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF)-based separation of iron-cyanide complexes, ferriccyanide and ferocyanide, was investigated in order to assess the potential of MEUF for the removal of ferriccyanide and ferrocyanide with a cationic surfactant, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). The removals of ferriccyanide and ferrocyanide were >99% and 99%, respectively, with the molar ratio of CPC to ferriccyanide/ferrocyanide of 3 and 4, respectively. Both the rejection and the concentration of CPC in the permeate were low enough to meet effluent standard. The MEUF process can be a good alternative to reverse osmosis or ion exchange for removal of iron-cyanide complexes.