Electrochemical Demineralization of Water with Porous Electrodes of Large Surface Area

Research began as an investigation of electrically induced ionic adsorption on porous "inert" electrodes. Electrode pairs based on carbon have been developed which will demineralize saline water at low voltage, and can be regenerated upon reversal of polarity. Various carbon electrodes have been conveniently classified into cation- and anion-responsive types. As received carbons are normally cation-responsive, but anion-responsive types have been made by chemical treatment. Laboratory demineralization cells based on this principle have been constructed and operated. Owing primarily to the low cost of basic construction materials, the process shows great promise for the economical conversion of saline waters.