Ionic liquids as selective extractants and ion carriers of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions utilized in extraction and membrane separation

Abstract This paper analyzes the applications of various ionic liquids (ILs) as metal ion carriers and extractants utilized for the separation of metal cations from aqueous solutions. Subsequently, an up-to-date review of the use of ILs in polymer inclusion membranes is presented. ILs represent a promising group of extractants and ion carriers of metal ions in extraction and membrane separation processes. The removal of heavy metals ions from aqueous solutions using ILs indicates an extensive and promising research area. It is expected that the role of ILs will gradually increase as the worldwide implementation of separation methods in recovery of metal ions from various aqueous solutions is growing quickly.