In-depth insights on multi-ionic transport in Electrodialysis with bipolar membrane systems

Abstract

Electrodialysis with Bipolar Membranes (EDBM) has become a key technology for valorising waste brine streams as a new chemical production route. Even though its application has been widely studied using single electrolyte solutions (e.g., NaCl or Na2SO4), there is still a lack of knowledge about using multi-ionic mixtures. For the first time, this work aims to evaluate the EDBM performance when treating synthetic solutions mimicking the waste brines produced in a integrated process for the valorisation of solar saltworks bitterns. The behaviour of a lab-scale EDBM unit was assessed using SUEZ ion exchange membranes (IEMs), operating at 300 A m−2, and the ion transport through IEMs was investigated, based on the calculation of apparent transport numbers and selectivities. The results highlighted that multi-ionic solutions barely affected the production of hydroxide ions. Chlorides were transported up to 7 times faster than sulphates across the anion-exchange membranes, while the cation-exchange membranes exhibited slightly higher selectivity for potassium than for sodium (∼1.2). The current efficiencies ranged between 70 % and 80 %, while a minimum specific energy consumption of 1.60 kWh kg-1NaOH was obtained for the most concentrated brine at 1 mol L-1 OH–. These results provide novel and valuable information to support the development and implementation of EDBM as a sustainable technology for supporting a resource-efficient and competitive economy through on-site and delocalized chemicals production routes.