Method and apparatus for capacitive deionization, electrochemical purification, and regeneration of electrodes
An electrochemical cell for capacitive deionization and electrochemical purification and regeneration of electrodes includes two oppositely disposed, spaced-apart end plates, one at each end of the cell. Two generally identical single-sided end electrodes, are arranged one at each end of the cell, adjacent to the end plates. An insulator layer is interposed between each end plate and the adjacent end electrode. Each end electrode includes a single sheet of conductive material having a high specific surface area and sorption capacity. In the preferred embodiment, the sheet of conductive material is formed of carbon aerogel composite. The cell further includes a plurality of generally identical double-sided intermediate electrodes that are equidistantly separated from each other, between the two end electrodes. As the electrolyte enters the cell, it flows through a continuous open serpentine channel defined by the electrodes, substantially parallel to the surfaces of the electrodes. By polarizing the cell, ions are removed from the electrolyte and are held in the electric double layers formed at the carbon aerogel surfaces of the electrodes. As the cell is saturated with the removed ions, the cell is regenerated electrically, thus significantly minimizing secondary wastes. 17 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of California (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- Assignee:
- Univ. of California, Oakland, CA (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5,425,858/A/
- Application Number:
- PAN: 8-246,692
- OSTI ID:
- 87718
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 20 Jun 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Method and apparatus for capacitive deionization and electrochemical purification and regeneration of electrodes
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