Elektroddialyse

Elektrodialyse is a membrane-based separation process used to separate dissolved ions from a solution. It is a type of electrodialysis, which is a process that uses an electric field to drive the migration of ions through ion-exchange membranes. Elektrodialyse is commonly used in various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment, to purify solutions, concentrate products, and recover valuable components.

The process involves the use of ion-exchange membranes that are selective for either cations or anions. These membranes are arranged in a stack, with alternating cation and anion membranes, and separated by a spacer material. An electric field is applied across the stack, causing the migration of ions through the membranes. The cations migrate through the cation membranes and the anions through the anion membranes, resulting in the separation of the ions from the solution.

Elektrodialyse offers several advantages over traditional separation methods, such as lower energy consumption, higher selectivity, and the ability to handle a wide range of feed concentrations. However, it also has some limitations, such as the need for a continuous supply of electricity and the potential for membrane fouling, which can reduce the efficiency of the process over time.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of elektrodialyse for the recovery of valuable metals from electronic waste, as well as for the treatment of wastewater and the production of high-purity water. Ongoing research and development efforts are focused on improving the efficiency and durability of ion-exchange membranes, as well as on optimizing the design and operation of elektrodialyse systems to meet the demands of these emerging applications.