Synthesis and characterization of cellulose triacetate and poly(ethylene imine) membranes containing a polyether macrobicyclic: Their application to the separation of copper(II) and silver(I) ions

A cellulose triacetate (CTA)–poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) membrane containing a polyether macrobicyclic (cryptand) as a carrier and 2‐nitrophenyloctyl ether (NPOE) as a plasticizer was prepared. The CTA–PEI–cryptand–NPOE membrane was characterized with chemical techniques as well as Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. The permeation of silver and copper ions through the CTA–PEI–cryptand–NPOE membrane was comparable to that through a supported liquid membrane. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1401–1410, 2004