Electrodialysis is a word that combines two words: electro and dialysis. The prefix "electro-" refers to electricity and the suffix "-dialysis" refers to a separation process. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ɪˌlɛk·troʊ·daɪˈæl·ə·sɪs/. The first syllable "elec-" rhymes with "hectic" and "tro-" sounds like "throw". The second part "-dialysis" is pronounced with a long "i" sound and rhymes with "analysis". Electrodialysis is a process that uses electricity to separate ions from a solution.
Electrodialysis is a process that involves the separation of ions and other charged species from a solution or mixture using an applied electric field. It is a type of membranous separation technique that utilizes ion-selective membranes and an electric current to selectively transport ions across the membranes, resulting in the purifying or concentration of the solution.
In electrodialysis, the mixture or solution is divided into compartments by alternating anion and cation exchange membranes. The membranes are permeable to specific ions, allowing them to selectively pass through. As an electric current is applied, positively charged ions migrate towards the negatively charged electrode (cathode), while negatively charged ions move towards the positively charged electrode (anode). This migration causes the separation of the ions from the solution.
Electrodialysis finds applications in various industries, including water treatment, desalination, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. It can be used to remove unwanted ions, minerals, or impurities from water, as well as to concentrate specific ions or components. The process is considered energy-efficient and environmentally friendly compared to other separation techniques, such as reverse osmosis.
Overall, electrodialysis is a electrochemical separation process that utilizes ion-exchange membranes and an electric current to selectively separate ions from a solution or mixture. It has a wide range of applications and is recognized for its efficiency and effectiveness in ion separation and purification processes.
The word "electrodialysis" is derived from a combination of two roots: "electro" and "dialysis".
1. "Electro" comes from the Greek word "ēlektron", which means amber or fossilized resin. It was observed by ancient Greeks that rubbing amber with cloth produced a static charge (or electrical charge), giving rise to the concept of electricity. Over time, the term "electro" became associated with anything related to electricity.
2. "Dialysis" comes from the Greek word "díalusis", which means dissolution or separation. In ancient Greece, "dialysis" was used to describe the process of separating substances by filtering through a membrane.
Combining these two roots, "electrodialysis" is a term used to describe a process that uses an electric field to separate and purify substances by passing them through specially designed membranes.