Application of electrodialysis to the production of organic acids: State-of-the-art and recent developments

The production of organic acids needs innovations to keep up with the development of modern chemical and biochemical industries. Electrodialysis (ED) may be the key innovation. Accordingly, based on a summary on the related literature, we compiled an introduction to the production of organic acids by using ED, which includes conventional electrodialysis (CED), electrometathesis (EMT), electro-ion substitution (EIS), electroelectrodialysis (EED), electrohydrolysis with bipolar membranes (EDBM), electrodeionization (EDI), and two-phase electrodialysis (TPED). We hope that, apart from the separation and conversion of organic acids or organic salts, ED can promote the comprehensive utilization of renewable resources and contribute to the sustainable development of humankind. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.