Fine-tuning of electromembrane extraction selectivity using 18-crown-6 ethers as supported liquid membrane modifiers

Selectivity of electromembrane extractions (EMEs) was fine-tuned by modifications of supported liquid membrane (SLM) composition using additions of various 18-crown-6 ethers into 1-ethyl-2-nitrobenzene. Gradually increased transfer of K+, the cation that perfectly fits the cavity of 18-crown-6 ethers, was observed for EMEs across SLMs modified with increasing concentrations of 18-crown-6 ethers. A SLM containing 1% w/v of dibenzo-18-crown-6 in 1-ethyl-2-nitrobenzene exhibited excellent selectivity for EMEs of K+. The established host-guest interactions between crown ether cavities in the SLM and potassium ions in donor solution ensured their almost exhaustive transfer into acceptor solution (extraction recovery similar to 92%) within 30 min of EME at 50 V. Other inorganic cations were not transferred across the SLM (Ca2+ and Mg2+) or were transferred negligibly (NH4+, Na+; extraction recovery <2%) and had only subtle effect on EMEs of K+. The high selectivity of the tailor-made SLM holds a great promise for future applications in EMEs since the range of similar selective modifiers is very broad and may be applied in various fields of analytical chemistry.