Bipolar membrane electrodialysis for clean production of L-10-camphorsulfonic acid: From laboratory to industrialization

In this study, bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED) was implemented for cleaner production of L-10-camphorsulfonic acid (L-CSA) to lower the environmental impact. Under the current density of 300-400 A/m(2) and feed salt concentration of 6-10 wt.%, the energy consumption and current efficiency were 2.24-2.70 kWh/kg and 20.89-29.5%, respectively. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy with ion beam etching, and other characterizations were used to elucidate the transport behaviors of large-sized anions across the membranes. It was speculated that the large-sized camphor sulfonate ions were more likely to deposit on the surface of the anion-exchange membrane to form a deposition layer under a direct current electric field. The appearance of water splitting at this deposition layer would offset the water dissociation in the bipolar membrane. Nevertheless, the successful commissioning of industrial-scale stack proved the feasibility and sustainability of BMED technique for a closed loop L-CSA production.