Investigation of ion-exchange membranes by means of chronopotentiometry: A comprehensive review on this highly informative and multipurpose technique

Author(s)

Barros, Kayo Santana ^{[1, 2]} ; Cesar Marti-Calatayud, Manuel ^[2] ; Scarazzato, Tatiana ^[3] ; Bernardes, Andrea Moura ^[3] ; Romano Espinosa, Denise Crocce ^[1] ; Perez-Herranz, Valentin ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Chem Engn, Av Prof Lineu Prestes 580, Bloco 18 Conjunto Quim, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Politecn Valencia, ISIRYM, IEC Grp, Cami De Vera S-N 46022, POB 22012, E-46071 Valencia - Spain

^[3] Fed Univ Rio Grande Do Sul UFRGS, Dept Mat Engn, Av Bento Goncalves 9500, BR-91501970 Porto Alegre, RS - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE; v. 293, JUL 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Electrodialysis is mostly used for drinking water production but it has gained applicability in different new fields in recent decades. Membrane characteristics and ion transport properties strongly influence the efficiency of electrodialysis and must be evaluated to avoid an intense energy consumption and ensure long membrane times of usage. To this aim, conducting studies on ion transport across membranes is essential. Several dynamic characterization methods can be employed, among which, chronopotentiometry has shown special relevance because it allows a direct access to the contribution of the potential in different states of the membrane/solution system. The present paper provides a critical review on the use of chronopotentiometry to determine the main membrane transport properties and to evaluate mass transfer phenomena. Properties, such as limiting current density, electrical resistances, plateau length, transport number of counter-ions in the membrane, transition times, and apparent fraction of membrane conductive area have been intensively discussed in the literature and are presented in this review. Some of the phenomena evaluated using this technique are concentration polarization, gravitational convection, electroconvection, water dissociation, and fouling/scaling, all of them also shown herein. Mathematical and experimental studies were considered. New trends in chronopotentiometric studies should include ion-exchange membranes that have been recently developed (presenting anti-fouling, anti-microbial, and monovalent-selective properties) and a deeper discussion on the behaviour of complex solutions that have been often treated by electrodialysis, such as municipal wastewaters. New mathematical models, especially 3D ones, are also expected to be developed in the coming years. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/51871-9 - Study Center for Technology in Waste Solid Treatment and Recycling - SCTWSTR
• Grantee: Jorge Alberto Soares Tenório
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants