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Feng, Ling, et al. Environmental Research 272 (2025): 121215.
This case study examines the application of decyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC) as a representative organic contaminant for assessing fouling behavior in cation exchange membranes (CEMs) during ion exchange membrane electrolysis. With the expansion of zero liquid discharge (ZLD) strategies in industrial wastewater treatment, large volumes of NaCl-based waste salts are generated; however, their reuse is often limited by the presence of organic surfactants. DTAC-containing salts provide a realistic model system for understanding these challenges.
Experimental results demonstrate that increasing DTAC concentration in the feed solution leads to progressively severe CEM fouling. DTAC molecules form a dense, hydrophobic fouling layer on the membrane surface, which markedly increases cell voltage and ohmic resistance. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy reveals that this fouling layer significantly restricts, or at high DTAC levels nearly blocks, transmembrane ion transport-highlighting the detrimental impact of quaternary ammonium surfactants on electrolysis efficiency.
The study further evaluates cleaning strategies for restoring membrane function. While simple water rinsing offers limited benefit, NaOH cleaning effectively removes most DTAC deposits, restoring membrane conductivity and reducing operating resistance. These findings underscore the importance of tailored alkaline cleaning protocols for mitigating surfactant-induced fouling.
Overall, decyltrimethylammonium chloride serves as an effective probe molecule for investigating organic fouling mechanisms and optimizing membrane cleaning strategies, supporting the sustainable reuse of industrial waste salts in electrochemical processes.
