Rectorite in flow-electrode capacitive deionization with three-dimensional current collector to achieve cost-effective desalination

The innovative design of collector is a top priority to drive the advancement of flow electrode capacitive deionization (FCDI) technology. Currently, the majority of FCDI research has concentrated on the implementation and modification of carbon-based flow electrode materials, while ignoring the effect of the current collector in FCDI. In this study, a 3D-FCDI configuration with porous titanium foam as the collector is designed, and rectorite (Rec) is used as the flow electrode in 3D-FCDI. Thanks to the porous structure of the 3D current collector, the collision opportunities of electrons with the Rec particles are increased and the long-distance migration of electrons in the conventional graphite collector is overcome, thus improving the system conductivity. The Rec exhibits good electrode dispersion, desalination rate, and energy consumption at low cost. In addition, the ASAR of Rec can be achieved by adjusting the electrode concentration (5 wt%), electrode flow rate (25 mL min−1) and operating voltage (1.8 V) to 11.43 μg cm−2 min−1. This study demonstrates the capability of 3D-FCDI configuration to advance the creation and implementation of FCDI.