College of Engineering Unit:
Cation exchange membranes (CEM) and anion exchange membranes (AEM) are crucial to the operation of electrodialysis, a way to purify water by removing ions. The extent to which ions are removed depends on solution, membrane properties, and fouling, in which a buildup of ions reduces function.1 H2O2 and NaClO are cleaning agents for membranes.5 NaClO in high concentration can cause damages to membranes and produces toxic products so H2O2 is thought to be a greener alternative. The effects of H2O2 concentrations of NaClO on CEM and AEM is currently unknown. Two different types of membranes were studied, a polymeric membrane and a ceramic membrane from Membrion Inc. The effects of fouling over time were investigated to determine the more effective way to clean the membranes.