Microbial desalination cells packed with ion-exchange resin to enhance water desalination rate

► Ion-exchange resins packed MDC can enhance water desalination rate. ► Desalination rates of resins packed MDC were 1.5-8 times those of classic MDC. ► Ohmic resistances in resins packed MDC were lower than those of classic MDC. ► Resins in desalination chamber counteracted the increase in solution resistance. ► Resins packed MDC is especially promising for low salinity water or wastewater.