HPAM produced the most severe effects in terms of visible fouling and increase of resistance. This polyelectrolyte fouls the AEM by adsorbing on its surface and by forming a viscous gel layer that hampers the replenishment of ions from the bulk solution. Ca and Mg have a large influence on the formation of thick HPAM gel layers, while the oily compounds have only a minimal influence acting mainly as a destabilizing agent. The membranes also presented scaling consisting of calcium precipitates. The effects of the gel layer were minimized by applying current reversal and foulant-free solution.
Alejandro RodríguezIsabel Seguí VerdúNereida Tarazona‐BelenguerSandra MuneraFrancisco Albert GilJimena González del Río CogornoBegoña Jordá AlbiñanaNuria AleixosFrancisco Albert GilUniversitat Politècnica de ValènciaJimena González-del Río CogornoUniversitat Politècnica de ValènciaBegoña Jordá AlbiñanaUniversitat Politècnica de ValènciaNuria Aleixos BorrásUniversitat Politècnica de València