An acid or base is generated in an aqueous solution by the steps of: (a)
providing a source of first ions adjacent an aqueous liquid in a first
acid or base generation zone, separated by a first barrier (e.g., anion
exchange membrane) substantially preventing liquid flow and transporting
ions only of the same charge as said first ions, (b) providing a source
of second ions of opposite charge adjacent an aqueous liquid in a second
acid or base generation zone, separated by a second barrier transporting
ions only of the same charge as the second ions, and (c) transporting
ions across the first barrier by applying an electrical potential through
said first and second zones to generate an acid-containing aqueous
solution in one of said first or second zones and a base-containing
aqueous solution in the other one which may be combined to form a salt.
Also, electrolytic apparatus for performing the above method.