UR-WATER NEWS

Synthesis and characterization of asymmetric electrochemical capacitive deionization materials using nanoporous silicon dioxide and magnesium doped aluminum oxide

Wed, 11 May 2011 19:42:08 +0200

Authors: Kevin C. Leonard∗, Jamie R. Genthe, Jennifer L. Sanfilippo, Walter A. Zeltner, Marc A. Anderson

Electrochimica Acta 54 (2009) 5286-5291

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Completion of CDI prototype

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 20:05:32 +0100

Capacitive deionization as an electrochemical means of saving energy and delivering clean water. Comparison to present desalination practices: Will it compete?

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 19:59:53 +0100

Authors: Marc A. Anderson, Ana L. Cudero, Jesus Palma

Electrochimica Acta 55 (2010) 3845-3856

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Potable water as well as water for agriculture and industry is critical to human habitation on this planet. We have been squandering and polluting this precious resource and are now in need of finding cost com- petitive newer technologies for reclaiming this valuable life-sustaining liquid. Capacitive deionization (CDI) is an electrochemical water treatment process that holds the promise of not only being a commer- cially viable alternative for treating water but for saving energy as well. CDI works by sequestering ions, or other charged species, in the electrical double layer of ultracapacitors. While removing these ions, one actually stores capacitive energy. If one recovers this energy efficiently, this process likely consumes less power than any competing technology. This paper reviews current methods for treating water in comparison to the state of art of the CDI process.

UR-Water signs and agreement of cooperation with Proingesa 2

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 19:54:55 +0100

The engineering company Proingesa located in Valladolid (Spain) specialized in engineering solutions for the automotive, steelmaking, plastic, and health logistic industries, among others, and UR-Water have signed and agreement of cooperation to introduce CDI (capacitative deionization) technology products in the spanish market.

Accepted manuscript in Electrochimica Acta

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 19:51:33 +0100

Synthesis and characterization of asymmetric electrochemical capacitive deionization materials using nanoporous silicon dioxide and magnesium doped aluminum oxide

Kevin C. Leonard*, Jamie R. Genthe, Jennifer L. Sanfilippo, Walter A. Zeltner and
Marc A. Anderson

* Materials Science Program – University of Wisconsin - Madison, P: 608-262-2470,
F: 608-262-0454, kcleonard@wisc.edu

ABSTRACT

New capacitive deionization (CDI) materials based on using nanoporous silicon
dioxide or alumina surface-doped with magnesium were shown to remove a
wide range of cations having different valent states and hydrated radii. The use
of the asymmetric insulating oxide nanoparticles as CDI materials increased
removal rates due to their small size and opposite surface potentials. This system
can be regenerated electrochemically by reversing the potential of the electrodes
in order to drive the ions off the electrodes. Unique to this system is that ions do
not adsorb onto the opposite electrode during regeneration due to the inherent
surface potential of the nanoporous oxide which repels the ions under the
conditions employed for these tests. As might be expected, the maximum
allowable regeneration voltage was directly related to the zeta potential of the
nanoporous coating on the working electrode under the specific test conditions.