Capacitive deionization

We are developing novel capacitive deionization (CDI) systems for removing salt from water and for removing toxins (e.g. nitrate from agricultural waste) from water. Our goal is a cost-efficient method of producing drinking water. CDI systems have a structure similar to supercapacitors and uses porous carbon electrodes to maximize ion capacity. These systems have complex coupling among fluid mechanics, electric double layer capacitance, ion migration, and chemical reactions.

References

Steven A. Hawks, Ashwin Ramachandran, Slawomir Porada, Patrick G. Campbell, Matthew E. Suss, P. M. Biesheuvel, Juan G. Santiago, and Michael Stadermann. "Performance metrics for the objective assessment of capacitive deionization systems" Water research 152 (2019): 126-137.

Ashwin Ramachandran, Steven A. Hawks, Michael Stadermann, and Juan G. Santiago. "Frequency analysis and resonant operation for efficient capacitive deionization" Water research 144 (2018): 581-591.

Ashwin Ramachandran, Diego I. Oyarzun, Steven A. Hawks, Michael Stadermann and Juan G. Santiago, 2019. "High water recovery and improved thermodynamic efficiency for capacitive deionization using variable flowrate operation" Water research, 155, pp.76-85.