Electromembrane electrolysis

Lantagne and Velin [267] have reviewed the application of dialysis, electrodialysis and membrane cell electrolysis for the recovery of waste acids. Because of the new trends governed by environmental pressures, conventional treatment methods based on neutralization and disposal are being questioned. Membrane and electromembrane technologies are considered to be potential energy-efficient substitutes for conventional approaches. Paper mills will focus on the application of ion-exchange membranes namely dialysis, electrodialysis and membrane cell electrolysis for recovery of waste acids. 

Electromembrane processes such as electrolysis and electrodialysis have experienced a steady growth since they made their first appearance in industrial-scale applications about 50 years ago [1-3], Currently desalination of brackish water and chlorine-alkaline electrolysis are still the dominant applications of these processes. But a number of new applications in the chemical and biochemical industry, in the production of high-quality industrial process water and in the treatment of industrial effluents, have been identified more recently [4]. The development of processes such as continuous electrodeionization and the use of bipolar membranes have further extended the range of application of electromembrane processes far beyond their traditional use in water desalination and chlorine-alkaline production. 

Unlike electrodialysis, which tends to concentrate and remove or recover species, electromembrane processes transform species present in waste streams by electrolysis and the use of cation and anion exchange membranes. These processes offer chemical cost reduction (by recovery), water consumption reduction, and discharge or reuse of contaminant-free waters. Supplementary gains are also obtained by identifying a market for products obtained from the recovery and transformation processes. 

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