Patent ID: 7846318

Claim:
A method to increase the hydroxide content of compounds comprising the formula (I): M m (OH) n X am-n ) (Compound I) wherein M is a metal that undergoes the reaction: wherein “a” is the valence of the metal ion; X is an anion; 0<n≦am; m≧1; comprising the step of subjecting a solution of Compound I to electrodialysis conditions to generate HX, such that the hydroxide content of Compound I is increased relative to the initial hydroxide content of Compound I, provided that i. cation permeable membranes and anion permeable membranes or bipolar membranes and anion permeable membranes are utilized, and ii. enriching and depleting streams both comprise a Compound of formula (I), such that the HX concentration is decreased from the depleting solution, thereby providing Compound I in the depleting stream with increased hydroxide content relative to Compound I prior to treatment.