The instability mechanisms of the supported liquid membrane using Celgard 2500 membranes as support and tributyl phosphate dissolved in kerosene as carrier for phenol transport was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Emulsion formation is demonstrated to be one of the main causes for the instability of supported liquid membrane in the present system. The emulsion-facilitated conditions, such as higher membrane liquid concentration, faster stirring speed, lower salt concentration and higher HLB value, would accelerate the degradation of supported liquid membrane. Other mechanisms including solubility and osmotic pressure work together to increase the membrane liquid loss.