Ion-Exchange Membranes in the Chemical Process Industry

Ion-exchange membranes play an important role today in deionization of aqueous solutions, in electrochemical synthesis, and in energy conversion and storage. Some of the applications of ion-exchange membranes are mature and well established processes such as the water desalination by electrodialysis or the electrolytic chlorine–alkaline synthesis. Other applications of ion-exchange membranes are still in an early state of their development, such as the redox flow battery. In this publication the principles of state-of-the-art ion-exchange membrane processes and their applications are briefly described. Their advantages and limitations are discussed, and their commercial relevance is indicated. More recently developed products and processes are also addressed. Their basic functions are described, and their present and potential future applications are discussed. Research needs for a further improvement of ion-exchange membranes and their applications are pointed out.