Electrochemical Splitting of Sodium Sulfate

Abstract

Five cation exchange membranes and four anion exchange membranes were tested in a three-compartment, two-membrane, electrolysis salt-splitting cell for the recycle of sodium sulfate into sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. The cell is further examined using DuPont Nafion 324 cation exchange membrane and Sybron Ionac MA-7500 anion exchange membrane to determine the maximum concentration of sodium hydroxide that can be produced by electrolysis salt-splitting as well as to determine the chief source of inefficiency. The discussion includes recommendations for future electrolysis salt-splitting cells and a mathematical model of the cell is created to determine optimum operating conditions.