Evaluation of two ion-exchange membranes for the transport of tin in the presence of hydrochloric acid

► Tin present in the activating solutions of the electroless plating of polymers industry can be recovered using membrane-electrochemical reactors. ► Sn(II) and Sn(IV) may form different anionic and cathionic complex species in the presence of the chloride ions, which hinders their recovery. ► When using anion-exchange membranes, chloride ions are the species that dominantly contributes to the amount of current through the membrane. ► When using cation-exchange membranes, hydrogen ions are the species that dominantly contributes to the amount of current through the membrane.