Alternating-polarity operation for complete regeneration of electrochemical deionization system

US6346187B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Tri D. Tran · Willow View Lane, US
• David Lenz · Munich, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 21, 1999
• Grant date: Feb 12, 2002
• Expiry date: Jan 21, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C02F2201/4611
• WIPO field: Micro-structural and nano-technology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

An electrically regeneratable battery of electrochemical cells for capacitive deionization (including electrochemical purification) and regeneration of electrodes is operated at alternate polarities during consecutive cycles. By polarizing the cells, 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 electrodes of each cell of the battery are saturated with the removed ions, the battery is regenerated electrically at a reversed polarity from that during the deionization step of the cycle, thus significantly minimizing secondary wastes.