Influences of colloidal stability and electrokinetic property on electrodialysis performance in the presence of silica sol

Negatively charged silica sol is known to lead to fouling of anion exchange membranes during electrodialysis (ED) as a result of its deposition on the membrane surface. It is known that the fouling potential is related to the physical and electrochemical properties of the silica particles as well as those of the anion exchange membranes. In this study, the properties of the silica sol were characterized in terms of its particle size, turbidity, and zeta potential in order to predict their effects on the electrodialysis performance. In the stability of colloidal particles, the critical coagulation concentrations of silica sol were determined as functions of ionic strength, cation species, and solution pH. In the electrodialysis of NaCl solution containing silica sol with various concentrations of CaCl(2), the colloidal behavior related to deposition and transport was examined during and after electrodialysis. The electrodialysis experiments clearly showed that the deposition and transport of silica sol during electrodialysis were related to the colloidal stability of dispersion.     

Reducing power losses caused by ionic shortcut currents in reverse electrodialysis stacks by a validated model

Both in electrodialysis and in reverse electrodialysis ionic shortcut currents through feed and drain channels cause a considerable loss in efficiency. Model calculations based on an equivalent electric system of a reverse electrodialysis stack reveal that the effect of these salt bridges could be reduced via a proper stack design. The critical parameters which are to be optimized are ρ/r and R/r, where ρ is the lateral resistance along the spacers, R is the resistance of the feed and drain channels between two adjacent cells, and r is the internal resistance of a cell. Because these two parameters are dimensionless, different stacks can be easily compared. The model is validated with two experimental stacks differing in membrane type and spacer thickness, one with large ionic shortcut currents and one where this effect is less. The loss in efficiency decreased from 25 to 5% for a well-designed stack. The loss of efficiency in reverse electrodialysis and in electrodialysis can be reduced with the aid of the design parameters presented in this paper.     

Membrane-Based Continuous Remover of Trifluoroacetic Acid in Mobile Phase for LC-ESI-MS Analysis of Small Molecules and Proteins

We developed a "continuous" trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) remover based on electrodialysis with bipolar membrane for online coupling of liquid chromatography (LC) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) using TFA containing mobile phase. With the TFA remover as an interface, the TFA anion in the mobile phase was removed based on electrodialysis mechanism, and meanwhile, the anion exchange membrane was self-regenerated by the hydroxide ions produced by the bipolar membrane. So the remover could continuously work without any additional regeneration process. The established LC-TFA remover-MS system has been successfully applied for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of small molecules as well as proteins.     

Highly effective electrodialysis for selective elimination of nitrates from drinking water

This paper considers a new and highly effective process for selective elimination of nitrates from drinking water through electrodialysis. It is based on coupled use of a modified anion exchange membrane with a nitrate-selective anion exchange resin. The latter is placed in the desalination compartment and constitutes a part of a new type of ion-conducting intermembrane spacer. A highly preferential transport of nitrate anions against chlorides and sulphates is observed to take place at low current densities. The results obtained prove that electrodialysis is a practical solution to the problem of selective elimination of nitrates from drinking water.     

Irreversible dissociation of water molecules on the ion-exchange membrane-electrolyte solution interface in electrodialysis

The fluxes of hydrogen ions through the cation-exchange membrane and hydroxyl ions through the anion-exchange membrane in the electrodialysis were measured using the method of selective polarization. The experiments, which were conducted in a wide range of current densities, enabled us to obtain the results of ionic transport different from the literature data and to explain them on the basis of chemical reactions proceeding in the system. It is shown that a decrease in the hydration of ionogenic groups intensifies the ionic fluxes of the medium in the electrodialysis.     

Preparation and characterization of quaternized poly (2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl methacrylate‐co‐N‐vinylimidazole) membrane for vanadium redox flow battery

Aiming to develop a suitable ion exchange membrane for vanadium redox flow battery (VRB), a new kind of imidazolium salt type anion exchange membrane based on the copolymer of N‐vinylimidazole and 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl methacrylate has been prepared. The membrane is characterized by means of water uptake, ion‐exchange capacity, ionic conductivity, and thermal stability. Furthermore, a VRB with this membrane is assembled, and the performance of such VRB is evaluated. The permeability experiments show that this membrane has reasonable low permeability of vanadium ions. The coulombic efficiency (CE) and energy efficiency (EE) of VRB with the synthesized membrane are 99.5% and 75.0%, whereas the CE and EE of the VRB with Nafion® 117 membrane are 82.6% and 72.6%, respectively. The synthesized membrane shows good chemical stability in VRB via more than 4000 cycles test. Therefore, this membrane shows good applicable potential in VRB. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dialytic transport of carboxylic acids through an anion exchange membrane

The transport behavior of five carboxylic acids of relevance in biotechnology (acetic, propionic, lactic, oxalic, citric) in diffusion dialysis and neutralization dialysis through an anion exchange membrane is investigated. The dependence of acid anion flux on base concentration in neutralization dialysis is analyzed in terms of two limiting situations (boundary layer control and membrane control) by an empirical two-parameter flux equation in formal analogy to a Langmuir function. When coupled to a life fermenter, neutralization dialysis is a means to control the pH of the fermentation medium. By removing biotoxic acids, it improves microbial productivity, as exemplified with the Propioni system producing vitamin B₁₂ and propionic acid.     

Modified normal-phase ion-pair chromatographic methods for the facile separation and purification of imidazolium-based ionic compounds

Imidazolium- and oligo(imidazolium)-based ionic organic compounds are important in the design of room-temperature ionic liquid materials; however, the chromatographic analysis and separation of such compounds are often difficult. A convenient and inexpensive method for effective thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis and column chromatography separation of imidazolium-based ionic compounds is presented. Normal-phase ion-pair TLC is used to effectively analyze homologous mixtures of these ionic compounds. Subsequent separation of the mixtures is performed using ion-pair flash chromatography on normal-phase silica gel, yielding high levels of recovery. This method also results in a complete exchange of the counter anion on the imidazolium compounds to the anion of the ion-pair reagent.     

Annelation of 3,4-Dihydroisoquinolines with 3-Acylthiotetronic Acids: Synthesis and Properties of 8-Aza-16-thiagona-12,17-diones and 3,4-Dihydroisoquinolinium 3-Acetylthiotetronate

8-Aza-16-thiagona-12,17-diones have been obtained by the annelation of C(1)-unsubstituted 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines with 3-acylthiotetronic acids on refluxing in glacial acetic acid. The condensation of 1-methyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline with 3-acetylthiotetronic acid stopped at the salt formation stage. From the results of H/D isotopic exchange of 3,4-dihydroisoquinolinium 3-acetylthiotetronate it follows that a tautomeric equilibrium is established for the anion of 3-acetylthiotetronic acid, involving the protons of the acetyl group and the C(5) methylene group of the thiolactone ring in isotopic exchange.     

Transport limitations in ion exchange membranes at low salt concentrations

In this work we show that the electrical resistance of ion exchange membranes strongly depends on the solution concentration: especially at low solution concentrations (<0.1 M NaCl) we observe a very strong increase in electrical resistance of the membrane with decreasing concentration. To understand and clarify this behavior we systematically investigate the influence of the solution concentration on ion transport phenomena in two anion exchange membranes (Neosepta AMX and Fumasep FAD) and two cation exchange membranes (Neosepta CMX and Fumasep FKD) in the concentration range from 0.017 M to 0.5 M NaCl and for different hydrodynamic conditions. The results are highly valuable for processes that operate in the low concentration range (<0.5 M) such as reverse electrodialysis, electrodialysis, microbial fuel cells and capacitive deionization, where the standard membrane characterization values as usually determined in 0.5 M NaCl solutions do not represent the practical application.     

Analysis of fouling potential in the electrodialysis process in the presence of an anionic surfactant foulant

Fouling of ion exchange membranes in an electrodialysis process is highly sensitive to the concentration of a surfactant. To investigate the influence of the fouling on the process performance, an anion exchange membrane was characterized by electrochemical properties as well as physical and chemical properties. The fouling potential was then quantitatively analyzed using the membrane fouling index as a function of the surfactant concentration. It was observed that the fouling mechanism is initiated by the micelle formation. That is, most of SDBS molecules form a fouling layer on the membrane surface at a higher concentration than the critical micelle concentration. Also the SDBS fouling mechanisms caused by the fouling layer were examined by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The equivalent circuits show that the fouling potential of the system was increased by an additional layer, simultaneously increasing the electrical resistance to permeation of ions through the membrane. However, the SDBS fouling on the membrane was a reversible process.     

Transport properties of electrodialysis membranes in the presence of Zn2+ complexes with Cl−

The aim of this paper is to investigate the properties of anion exchange electrodialysis membranes in contact with aqueous solutions containing zinc chloride complexes. Measurements of electric resistance, water content, quantity of sorbed electrolytes, self-diffusion and electrotransport ionic fluxes were performed as a function of the composition of the external solutions. The results were analysed in relation to the complex formation inside the solutions.     

Functionalization of polyvinyl alcohol composite membrane by CoOOH for direct borohydride fuel cells

A polyvinyl alcohol anion exchange resin composite membrane was functionalized with CoOOH for use in direct borohydride fuel cells (DBFCs) and is detailed in this report. The CoOOH-functionalized membrane has a higher ionic conductivity and a lower borohydride ion permeability than the membrane without CoOOH. The DBFCs with the CoOOH-functionalized membrane achieved better performance, such as a power density peak at 144 mW·cm^− 2 at 30 °C, than did those without CoOOH. Such performance improvement is due to CoOOH functionalization, whereby Co species reduce the crossover of the borohydride ion while maintaining high conductivity for hydroxyl species. With the introduction of the Co species, the conductivity-permeability trade-off dilemma in traditional anion exchange membranes is avoided. Therefore, the functionalization of the membrane helps to elucidate the development of anion exchange membrane fuel cells.     

Sorption of aqueous carbonic, acetic, and oxalic acids onto alpha-alumina

The presence of organic complexing agents can modify the behavior of a surface. This study aims to better understand the impact of carboxylic acids (acetic, oxalic, and carbonic acids) issued from cellulose degradation and equally naturally present in soils. First, evidence of two different kinds of sites for chloride adsorption onto alpha-alumina and another for sodium sorption was provided. Consequently, no competition between these cation and anion sorptions occurs on alpha-alumina. The associated exchange capacities and ionic exchange constants were measured. Second, the adsorption behavior of the carboxylic acids was studied as a function of aqueous -log[H(+)] and 0.01 to 0.1 M ionic strength (NaCl), and modeled by using mass action law for ideal biphasic systems. The carboxylic acids were found to be adsorbed on the same sites as chloride ions. The competition between organic ligands and chloride ions was satisfactorily accounted for by the model assuming the deprotonated form of the ligands was sorbed on alpha-alumina. The model also allowed us to interpret the adsorption of all species under various conditions without any extra fitting parameters.     

Concentration and purification of malate ion from a beverage industry waste water using electrodialysis with homopolar membranes

Recovery of l-malate from a by-product of fermentation industry was investigated in order to decrease its polluting content as well as to ensure a better valorisation. Environmental-friendly process could consist in a first homopolar electrodialysis step to purify and concentrate malate and a subsequent electrodialysis step involving bipolar membranes in order to recover malic acid. The feasibility of the first step was assessed. Purification experiments on a two-compartment pilot device operated batch-wise with different homopolar membranes showed that the non-ionised impurities (sugars, alcohols) were retained better than 96% in the diluate stream and that the colour of the purified stream changed from dark brown to very pale yellow. More than 84% malate could be recovered with current efficiencies better than 90%. An additional purification effect was observed with the retention of a part of citrate, calcium and magnesium ions. The best flux conditions observed (316 g h⁻¹ m⁻²) corresponded to the Neosepta CMX-Sb/AXE 01 arrangement. Moreover, membrane arrangement using a monoselective cation-exchange membrane (Neosepta CMX-S) proved very efficient in removing divalent cations from the purified stream. Concentration was undertaken through a series of ten consecutive batches, allowing a malate concentration of 130 g L⁻¹ (i.e. approximately 2 equiv. L⁻¹) to be reached which complies with criteria for a subsequent bipolar electrodialysis step. According to these results, it was shown that a malate concentration as high as 300 g L⁻¹ could be expected in industrial operating conditions.     

Electrodialysis Extraction and Electrodeposition of Lead(II) in Systems with Liquid Membranes

The extraction of lead(II) ions from nitric acid solutions through liquid membranes under galvanostatic electrodialysis with metal electrodeposition from the receiving solution of perchloric, nitric, or acetic acids is studied. The solitons of di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid with additives of tri-n-octylamine in 1,2-dichloroethane are used as liquid membranes. The effect of the current density of the electrodialysis and the composition of the initial aqueous solution and receiving solution (catholyte), as well as the composition of liquid membranes on the rate of membrane transport and electrodeposition of the lead(II) ions, is investigated. The optimal conditions of the process are determined. Fine-grained and highly adherent lead deposits are obtained on a platinum cathode during the deposition from perchloric acid solutions. It is shown that the degree of extraction of lead(II) ions from the initial aqueous solution is higher than 90% in the process, while the degree of electrodeposition amounts to 60% within 5 h of electrodialysis.

     

Modification of transport properties of ion-exchange membranes VIII. Changes in properties of anion exchange membranes on introduction of hydrophobic groups

A copolymer membrane composed of 4-vinylpyridine-styrene-divinylbenezene was reacted with long chain alkyl bromides (octyl bromide, dodecyl bromide, and hexadecyl bromide) in order to introduce hydrophobic groups into the anion exchange membrane by the quaternization reaction. The resulting membranes show a marked increased in fixed ion concentration as a result of lowered water content. Although the electrical resistance of the membranes increased slightly, the apparent diffusion coefficient of hydrochloric acid through the membranes decreased markedly. Complete quaternization of the membranes by methyl iodide after reaction with the long-chain alkyl bromides caused an increase in the water content and in the apparent diffusion coefficient of the acid and a decrease in the current efficiency in electrodialysis of the acid. This is explained by the high water content of the anion exchange membranes quaternized by methyl iodide.     

Solid phase extraction purification of carboxylic acid products from 96-well format solution phase synthesis with DOWEX 1x8-400 formate anion exchange resin

The anion exchange resin DOWEX 1x8-400 formate has been developed for the isolation or resin capture of carboxylic acids from solution phase reactions in a 96-well format using a batchwise solid phase extraction technique. Eleven different anion exchange resins (formate forms) were evaluated for their efficiency at scavenging aryl and aliphatic carboxylic acids from solution. The model carboxylic acids had pK(a)s ranging from 3.40 to 4.89. Exchange efficiency onto the resin was pK(a) dependent with the carboxylic acids but not with their diisopropylethylammonium salts. Exchange off of the resin also showed pK(a) dependence with the stronger acids requiring more concentrated solvent acid for exchange. DOWEX 1x8-400 formate was determined to have superior capacity and the fastest exchange rate. Solvents suitable for exchanging the acids onto the resin were CH2Cl2, methanol, and various solvent/water mixtures. Solvents suitable for exchanging the carboxylic acids off of the resin were TFA/solvent or HCO2H/solvent mixtures. The resin was found to swell best in CH2Cl2 and in polar protic solvents such as water, alcohols, and acids. Application of this technique to the crude product mixtures from an arrayed reductive amination and an arrayed Stille reaction provided product carboxylic acids in yields averaging 57% and purities averaging 89%.     

A Rapid and Efficient Way to Dynamic Creation of Cross‐Reactive Sensor Arrays Based on Ionic Liquids

Based on the simple counterion exchange of ionic liquids, a rapid, facile, and efficient strategy to create a cross‐reactive sensor array with a dynamic tunable feature was developed, and exemplified by the construction of a sensor array for the identification and classification of nitroaromatics and explosives mimics. To achieve a good sensing system with fast response, good sensitivity, and low detection limit, the synthesized ionic liquid receptors were tethered onto a silica matrix with a macro‐mesoporous hierarchical structure. Through the facile anion exchange approach, abundant ionic‐liquid‐based individual receptors with diversiform properties, such as different micro‐environments, diverse molecular interactions, and distinctive physico‐chemical properties, were easily and quickly synthesized to generate a distinct fingerprint of explosives for pattern recognition. The reversible anion exchange ability further endowed the sensor array with a dynamic tunable feature as well as good controllability and practicality for real‐world application. With the assistance of statistical analysis, such as principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discrimination analysis (LDA), an optimized‐size array with a good resolution was rationally established from a large number of IL‐based receptors. The performed experiments suggested that the ionic‐liquid‐based sensing protocol is a general and powerful strategy for creating a cross‐reactive sensor array that could find a wide range of applications for sensing various analytes or complex mixtures.     

Fundamental studies of a new series of anion exchange membranes: membrane preparation and characterization

Chemical cross-linking anion exchange series membranes were prepared from linear engineering plastics poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) by conducting the processes of bromination and amination at both benzyl and aryl positions. Compared with the traditional technologies, the membrane route described in this paper has cancelled the chloromethylation process and thus, given up the use of chloromethyl methyl ether, which has been considered as a potential harmful toxicity material. The ion exchange capacity, water content, membrane potential and transport number of membranes were studied. The results show that the membrane properties are significantly affected by the bromination processes: benzyl-substitution will enhance the ion exchange capacity and water content, while the aryl-substitution will decrease the water content with approximately unchanged ion exchange capacity. By properly balancing them, a series of membranes can be obtained to comply with different industrial requirements, such as diffusional dialysis, electrodialysis, and water splitting processes.