Conversion of Sodium Sulfate Using Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis for a Circular Economy

Every year, two to four million tons of sodium sulfate is extracted as a manufacturing byproduct. Common disposal pathways include placement in solid waste landfills, subsurface disposal, or the ocean. Developing new methodologies to reuse this byproduct in the factories that generate sodium sulfate or other upstream processes promotes environmental sustainability and a circular economy. This paper explores bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED) as a viable option for sodium sulfate reuse. A 3D printed continuous loop bipolar membrane electrodialysis cell was used to turn aqueous sodium sulfate into sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide.