Special applications of reverse electrodialysis

Abstract

Reverse electrodialysis (RED) is a process for direct electricity production from salinity gradients, based on the use of suitable exchange membranes. To develop the RED process on an applicative scale and to add value to the overall process, a key role is entrusted to the selection of electrodic system, redox species, and electrode materials. In particular, it was shown that a proper selection of redox processes allows the use of a RED cell for the wastewater treatment of organic and inorganic pollutants resistant to conventional biological methods and for the synthesis of chemicals without energy supply. The utilization of microbial reverse electrodialysis cells was also proposed to increase the production of electric energy, coupled with the synthesis of chemicals or the treatment of wastewater.