Continuous capacitive deionization–electrodialysis reversal through electrostatic shielding for desalination and deionization of water

We report a new concept for capacitive deionization with simple and cheap porous bipolar intermediate graphite electrodes which is operated continuously by constant or alternating polarity without any down time for electrode saturation, regeneration and rinsing steps and certainly without any permselective ion exchange membranes. The proposed process utilizes the advantages of the classical electrodeionization technologies combining them all to a unified continuous capacitive deionization–continuous electrodeionization–electrodialysis–electrodialysis reversal process. Separate and unchanged diluate and concentrate compartments are created in two modes, first by periodical charging/discharging the bipolar intermediate electrodes through a pulsating electric field and second by simultaneous charging/discharging them through a constant or pulsating electric field and electrostatic shielding. Because of coion permeation and the convenience of alternating the polarity without any negative impact on the deionization process, the new technique is less affected by the known membrane associated limitation, such as concentration polarization, limiting current density or scaling. The new electrochemical deionization technique is suitable for regeneration of ion exchange resins and production of high purity deionized water, removal of heavy metal ions from industrial effluents and desalination of brackish or seawater.