Novel Carbon Foam Electrodes for Electrochemical Oxidation and Capacitive Deionization

The novel staged electrochemical oxidation/ capacitive deionization (EO/CDI) treatment system proposed here is based upon a multi-stage treatment approach using: (1) physical filtration to remove macroscopic solid particles, followed by (2) capacitive deionization (CDI) with a novel activated mesocarbon foam, (3) a unique flow-through electrochemical oxidation cell which both promotes direct oxidation at the electrode surface while producing soluble oxidizing compounds (e.g. ozone, hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide and solvated electrons) in situ, and (4) a second CDI stage to remove by products produced during oxidation and/or salts. For the current solicitation, probably the most important novel feature of the EO/CDI process is its effectiveness in simultaneously oxidizing chemical contaminants, capturing metal ions, inactivating bacteria, viruses, and other water-borne microorganisms with a low power input and a low pressure drop. The EO/CDI technology, if successful, would allow the point-of-use treatment of available water supplies. It has the capability for use in individual units while retaining the ability for scale-up to small stationary water treatment plants. The electrode materials are effective and inexpensive. EO/CDI could provide protection from inorganic and organic compounds in water while minimizing the potential for producing disinfection by-products (DBP’s), sludges, and harmful residues.