Capacitive Deionization Electrode Connectors Preventing Corrosion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of existing ion removal apparatuses, particularly capacitive deionization systems, is low and can deteriorate over time due to corrosion and electrical resistance issues.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a housing with clamped, metal-free carbon electrodes and connectors made from graphite to prevent water contact with metal, ensuring low electrical resistance and corrosion resistance, along with a charge barrier to enhance ion removal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If metal connectors are used to connect current collectors to electrical sources, then electrical conductivity is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates due to water contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating barrier layer as an intermediary between the metal connector and the water environment. This barrier layer allows electrical connection to be maintained while preventing direct contact between water and metal, thus resolving the contradiction between electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a sacrificial anode made of reactive metal that corrodes preferentially to protect the main metal connectors. This sacrificial element is designed to be replaced periodically, allowing the main electrical connection system to maintain high reliability over extended periods.
2Power
If metal connectors are used in the water environment, then electrical connection is improved, but efficiency deteriorates over time due to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating barrier layer acts as a mediator that maintains electrical connection functionality while isolating the metal connector from the water environment. This prevents corrosion that would otherwise degrade electrical performance and reduce ion removal efficiency over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The sacrificial anode provides a replaceable protective element that maintains the electrical connection system's efficiency by corroding in place of the main connectors, ensuring sustained ion removal performance.
3Power
If metal connectors are clamped to current collectors, then electrical conductivity is improved, but durability deteriorates due to corrosion and electrical resistance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating barrier layer serves as a protective intermediary that allows the metal connector to maintain electrical conductivity while being shielded from water-induced corrosion, thereby extending the durability of the electrical connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sacrificial anode provides a replaceable protective barrier that extends the service life of the main metal connectors by corroding preferentially, maintaining electrical conductivity and connection durability over extended periods.
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
This configuration maintains high ion removal efficiency over a long period by preventing corrosion and ensuring effective electrical conductivity, allowing for efficient ion removal and regeneration without chemical addition.
Implementation Method 1
a charge barrier may be placed adjacent to an electrode of a flow-through capacitor. The term charge barrier refers to a layer of material which is permeable or semi-permeable and is capable of holding an electric charge. Ions are retained or trapped, on the side of the charge barrier towards which the like-charged ions migrate.
Implementation Method 2
A method for water purification is by capacitive deionization, using an apparatus having a flow through capacitor (FTC) to remove ions in water. The FTC functions as an electrically regenerable cell for capacitive deionization. By charging electrodes, ions are removed from an electrolyte and are held in an electric double layer at the electrodes.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus to remove ions, the apparatus having a housing including an inlet to let water in an interior of the housing, an outlet to let water out of the interior of the housing, a first electrode having a current collector, a second electrode, and a spacer to separate the first and second electrodes and to allow water to flow between the first and second electrodes. The apparatus also has a connector to connect the first electrode, or the second electrode, or both first and second electrodes, with an electrical source. The connector may have two connector parts to clamp the current collector in between the connector parts, the connector constructed and arranged to avoid water-metal contact.