Effect of Parameters of Pulsed Electric Field on Average Current Density through Nafion 438 Membrane in Electrodialysis Cell

Abstract

Pulsed electric fields (PEF) have been used to advantage in electroplating for more than half a century. Recently, interest has increased in the application of these electric modes in the membrane processes. In this work, the effect of parameters (potential, frequency of current, and duty cycle) of pulsed current mode on the average current density in the electrodialysis cell is studied. For this purpose, the plots of current vs. time were measured in the mode of pulsed potential drop on a Nafion 438 (Nafion^TM N438) cation-exchange membrane. It is shown that the largest gain in the current density of 33% can be attained by varying parameters of PEF.