Electrophoretic deposition of carbon nanotubes film electrodes for capacitive deionization

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) films have been successfully fabricated by electrophoretic deposition technique and used as electrodes for capacitive deionization (CDI). The as-deposited CNTs electrode exhibits a comparable electrosorption capacity in NaCl solution to other conventional carbon electrodes. The results suggest that electrophoretic deposition has much potential for the facile and controllable fabrication of CDI electrodes.

► Carbon nanotubes films with different thickness are fabricated by electrophoretic deposition. ► The method allows a facile and controllable deposition of films for capacitive deionization. ► A high electrosorption capacity comparable to those of conventional electrodes is achieved.