Effect of increasing electrical conductivity and hydrophilicity on the electrosorption capacity of activated carbon electrodes for capacitive deionization

Abstract

This work describes the use of silver impregnated carbon and incorporation of carbon nanotubes to enhance the electrosorption capacity and salt removal kinetics of electrodes for applications in capacitive deionization technology. Silver impregnated activated carbon, in place of activated carbon, increases the electrosorption capacity of electrode from 2 to 5.3 mg/g. Addition of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes increases hydrophilicity of the electrodes thus increasing salt removal kinetics. The modified electrodes are tested for their deionization characteristics. The result shows enhanced salt removal from 42% to 67%.