Hydrogen Recovery in Electrodialytic-Based Technologies Applied to Environmental Contaminated Matrices

Electrochemically induced remediation technologies, such as electrokinetic or electrodialytic remediation, consist of applying a low-level direct current to produce the transport of contaminants from aqueous solutions, suspensions, or solid porous matrices. Although in-depth research on pollutant removal efficiencies has been carried out in the past two decades, the technology readiness level is still far from introducing electrodialytic technologies in the current market. Recovering hydrogen gas from the electrolytic production at the cathode is now anchoring innovative strategies to mitigate electroremediation's drawbacks. Hydrogen production during the electrodialytic treatment of briny water, wastewater, sewage sludge, and mine residues suspension was recently assessed, with positive results. This chapter presents an overview of the materials included in the reactor design and the matrices' influence in the ratio of hydrogen production and recovery. Additionally, a preliminary market study coupled with a SWOT analysis is presented and discussed, highlighting the primary drivers to implement the new electrodialytic technology concept.