Capacitive Deionization Electrode Module with Porous Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deionization technologies, such as evaporation, filtration, and electrodialysis, are inefficient, costly, and require frequent replacement of equipment, leading to high energy consumption and increased manufacturing costs, while existing apparatuses using reverse osmosis membranes result in large and expensive deionization units.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive deionization electrode module with a conductive support formed by fixing carbon-based electrode powders into fine pores of a porous substrate, combined with a coating layer, which uses a nanofiber web or non-woven fabric as a flexible and conductive support to reduce manufacturing costs and enhance storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional deionization methods (evaporation, filtration, electrodialysis) are used, then deionization function is achieved, but energy consumption increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the electrode structure by using a porous substrate with controlled pore sizes (0.1-10 μm) and porosity (30-80%) to optimize ion transport and storage capacity, enabling more efficient deionization with lower energy consumption compared to traditional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite electrode structure combining porous substrate material with conductive coating material (carbon-based materials like graphite, carbon black, or conductive polymers), achieving both mechanical stability and electrical conductivity while improving ion storage capacity and reducing energy requirements
2Reliability
If reverse osmosis membrane device is used, then deionization function is achieved, but device size increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous substrate with optimized pore structure (pore size 0.1-10 μm, porosity 30-80%) that enables high surface area for ion storage within a compact volume, achieving effective deionization in a smaller device footprint compared to traditional reverse osmosis systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional bulk materials to two-dimensional thin-film porous substrates, dramatically reducing the device thickness and volume while maintaining or enhancing ion storage capacity through increased surface area to volume ratio
3Reliability
If conventional electrode materials are used, then deionization function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cost-effective carbon-based materials (graphite, carbon black, conductive polymers) that are abundant and inexpensive compared to traditional precious metal electrodes, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate deionization performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the coating material composition and thickness parameters to achieve the minimum effective conductivity and ion storage capacity at the lowest possible material cost, balancing performance requirements with manufacturing expense
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the creation of an ultra-thin, flexible, and cost-effective deionization apparatus with high storage capacity, capable of efficiently removing ions from water, and can be mounted on curved shapes, reducing energy consumption and equipment replacement needs.
Implementation Method 1
a porous substrate having fine pores
Implementation Method 2
capacitive deionization electrode module
Implementation Method 3
removing ions from water
Implementation Method 4
capacitive deionization
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a capacitive deionization electrode module, a method of manufacturing the same, and a deionization apparatus using the same. The capacitive deionization electrode module includes: a conductive support that is formed by injecting and fixing carbon-based electrode powders into and to fine pores of a porous substrate; and a coating layer coated on one surface of the conductive support, to thereby implement a current collector for the deionization apparatus having ultra-thin, slim, and excellent flexible features.