Flow-electrode capacitive deionization enables continuous and energy-efficient brine concentration

Abstract

Many industrial and agricultural applications require the treatment of water streams containing high concentrations of ionic species for closing material cycles. High concentration factors are often desired, but hard to achieve with established thermal or membrane-based water treatment technologies at low energy consumptions. Capacitive deionization processes are normally assumed as relevant for the treatment of low salinity solutions only. Flowelectrode capacitive deionization (FCDI), on the other hand, is an electrically driven water desalination technology, which allows the continuous desalination and concentration of saline water streams even at elevated salinities.