Study of fouling and scaling in capacitive deionisation by using dissolved organic and inorganic salts

► Dissolved organic matter (humic acid) is the main cause of CDI electrode fouling. ► CDI removal efficiency and its production rate decreases by increasing feed TOC. ► CDI energy consumption (kWh/m3) increases by increasing feed TOC. ► Ferric ions seemed to be a great contributor to CDI scaling. ► Alkaline and acid cleaning solutions were able to completely restore the recovery of the CDI.