Regeneration of strong acid/strong base mixed-bed resins using ammonium bicarbonate (AB) for a sustainable desalination process

•A simple, recyclable desalination process was developed to remove salt from saline water.•Regeneration of resins was achieved in situ for mixed-bed resins without their separation.•Mixed–bed resins regenerated with ammonium bicarbonate can desalt saline to produce drinking quality water.•A recyclable process was developed based on the thermal decomposition and re-formation of ammonium bicarbonate.