Supported liquid membranes in flow systems

Abstract

The potential of supported liquid membranes (SLMs) is evaluated for automation of sample manipulation techniques in analytical chemistry. SLMs maximise the contact between immiscible phases by allowing the immobilisation of an organic phase on a hydrophobic solid which can be placed in an aqueous environment. An understanding of SLMs is developed from three perspectives. The use of SLMs is first viewed as an automated alternative to solvent extraction. Secondly, they can be used as a selective filtration technique. Thirdly, they can be used as a chromatographic technique. Each perspective allows a different insight on the subject of SLMs and their application in both the macro and micro scale. In doing so, existing systems are developed into new applications and modes of operation.