Module 5: Bipolar Electrodialysis

Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis (BMED) is an emerging technology designed to enhance conventional electrodialysis (ED) by incorporating water dissociation at the interface layer. This integration allows for the utilization and upgrading of salt resources into more valuable products. In a well-designed BMED configuration, salts can be effectively converted into acids and alkalis through the reaction between separated anions and cations with the H+ and –OH produced by the bipolar membrane.

However, the application of BMED is specific to certain sites, and there is a need for special attention to developing energy-efficient processes, especially when dealing with low ionic strength wastewaters. In-situ reaction systems are also crucial for producing higher-value chemical products. In the context of CORNERSTONE, the project will systematically explore the coupling of BMED with Hollow Fiber Nanofiltration (HF-NF) to improve salt concentration and explore new possibilities for valorization. This approach is seen as a novel concept with potential applications in the Pulp and Paper (P&P) and chemical industries.