Electrochemical membrane system for pH adjustment without chemical dosing

Abstract

pH is an essential component that reflects the chemical conditions of a solution, it is especially important when dealing with water treatment as it can determine the efficiency, effectiveness and cost of operations. Conventional methods for pH adjustment consists of direct dosing of acids/bases and electrochemical processes that require large amounts of energy which is not only costly but nonsustainable. In this study, electrochemistry is unified with membrane system forming an electrochemical membrane system (EMS). Utilizing the concept of electrolysis, an electrical field is applied causing redox reactions to occur at the anode and cathode producing H+ and OHions. Additionally, the membrane stopped mixing by preventing the migration of H+ and OHions giving us two separate channels. The interaction between different electrical currents applied and the corresponding pH demonstrated the effectiveness of EMS in regulating pH at low voltages, giving it the potential to be used with certain existing water treatment processes.