Ionophore synthesis for appropriate alkali metal ion extraction and transport

The dynamic character of host-guest chemistry confers the resulting constructions with fascinating stimuli-responsiveness. In the present study, we introduced the synthesized ionophore (podand) in membrane phase to promote the transfer of Na+, K+, Li+ as well as coexisting metal (Na+ and K+) salts. The experiments were performed to study the selectivity of one metal ion over another. To choose the optimal parameter for a specific cation during extraction and transport, a variety of factors were taken into consideration including fluctuation in metal concentration, ionophore structure, type of anion and membrane effect. The results reveal that the concentration and type of ions, membrane type and associated anion alter the extraction and transport process from one phase to another phase.