Removal of Cu 2+ ions by a micro-flow electrodeionization (EDI) system

Abstract

Removal tests for Cu 2+ ions were performed using a micro-flow electrodeionization system containing a central compartment filled with Purolite C150 PLH cation exchange resins. The cathode and anode compartments of the cell were separated from the central compartment with the Neosepta AMX anion exchange and CMX cation exchange membranes. The transport of Cu 2+ ions to the cathode compartment was enhanced with an increase in the initial concentration of Cu 2+ ions in the feed solution. After EDI separation, the Cu 2+ concentration coming from the central stream decreased to 0.49 mg/L when the initial concentration of Cu 2+ ions was 5.0 mg/L and to 1.7 mg/L when the Cu 2+ concentration in the feed solution was 25.0 mg/L. Also, the concentration of Cu 2+ ions in the cathode compartment increased with the increasing concentration of H 2SO 4 circulated through electrode compartments. The Cu 2+ concentration in the cathode compartment increased from 0. 49 to 2.15 mg/L when the H 2SO 4 concentration was increased from 0.01 M to 0.1 M.