We describe a novel
micropump mode–electrodialysis pump
(EDP), which is based on the recombination of hydrogen and hydroxyl
ions generated by enhanced water dissociation of bipolar membrane
(BPM). The pump is in a sandwich-like configuration in which the central
production channel is spatially isolated from two outer regenerant
chambers by a BPM, respectively. Both BPMs are put at the same direction,
in which the anion exchange membrane (AEM) side is facing the anode
with respect to the cation exchange membrane (CEM) side facing the
cathode. Pure water as the feed solution flows through the regenerant
chambers at a conventional flow rate (e.g., 0.2 mL/min). Under the
electric field, enhanced water dissociation at the junction layer
of BPM will occur, generating hydroxyl and hydrogen ions. Their electrodialytic
migration into the central channel will recombine water and its flow
rate is correlated with the applied current. The pump shows near-ideal
Faradaic efficiency and at least 0.8 μL/min can be achieved
by controlling the current. The produced water is near neutral and
obvious enrichment of trace impurity anions is observed in the production
channel.