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 ∼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.