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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Ion-Exchange Membranes for the Fabrication of Reverse Electrodialysis Device
Published on: July 20, 2021
Nature identification and morphology characterization of cation-exchange membrane fouling during conventional
Erik Ayala-Bribiesca1, Gérald Pourcelly, Laurent Bazinet
1Institute of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (INAF) and Dairy Research Group (STELA), Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Laval University, Sainte-Foy, Québec, Canada G1K 7P4.
Abstract:
The aim of this work was to study the effect of a concentrate solution pH value and of the composition in calcium, carbonate, and protein of a diluate solution to be treated by conventional electrodialysis on the fouling of cation-exchange membranes (CEM). It appeared that after demineralization of solutions containing CaCl(2) and CaCl(2)+Na(2)CO(3) using a concentrate solution maintained at a pH of 12, mineral fouling appeared on both sides of the CEM. The nature of the deposits was identified as calcium hydroxide and/or carbonate on both surfaces. The mineral fouling presented an aggregation-like crystal following a carnation-like pattern of aggregates of small rhombohedral crystals with CaCl(2) added alone, while CaCl(2)+Na(2)CO(3) yielded a smoother spherical crystal. Protein fouling was detected only on the CEM surface in contact with the diluate after demineralization of a solution containing CaCl(2)+Na(2)CO(3) using a concentrate pH value of 2.
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