Multi-Gate Ion Concentration Polarization for Low-Energy Desalination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for desalination methods have deficiencies in addressing the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
Innovation Solution
A fluid pathway has an inlet configured to receive salt water. A microfluidic channel is fluidly connected to the fluid pathway. At least one ion exchange membrane is positioned in a Gate-All-Around (GAA) or a Multi-Gate (MG) configuration around a gated region of the microfluidic channel. At least one ion exchange membrane is positioned between the first outlet and the inlet, wherein dilute of the salt water is expelled through the first outlet and concentrated brine of the salt water is expelled through the second outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If traditional reverse osmosis is used for desalination, then desalination can be achieved, but energy consumption is high due to high-pressure pump requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical high-pressure pump system with an electrochemical field-based desalination system. Instead of using mechanical force to push water through membranes, the system uses ion concentration polarization and electrochemical reactions at electrode surfaces to drive ion removal, thereby eliminating the need for high-pressure pumps and reducing both energy consumption and mechanical maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters from high mechanical pressure to controlled electrochemical potentials and current densities. By applying appropriate voltage and current parameters to the electrode structures, the system achieves effective ion removal through electrochemical mechanisms rather than mechanical pressure, reducing energy consumption while maintaining desalination effectiveness
2Reliability
If traditional reverse osmosis is used for desalination, then desalination can be achieved, but maintenance cost is high due to regular membrane replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical membrane-based system with an electrode-based electrochemical system. The electrode structures serve as permanent, maintenance-free components that remove ions through electrochemical reactions and field effects, eliminating the need for periodic membrane replacement while reducing reliance on high-energy mechanical pumping
3Use of energy by stationary object
If thermal evaporation method is used for desalination, then desalination can be achieved, but energy consumption is high due to fuel requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal evaporation with electrochemical field-based ion removal. Instead of heating water to evaporate and condense it, the system uses electric fields and electrochemical reactions to selectively remove ions from water, dramatically reducing energy consumption and enabling deployment in small-scale applications without requiring large industrial facilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from thermal energy input to electrochemical energy input. By controlling electrical parameters such as voltage, current, and electrode potential, the system achieves desalination through electrochemical mechanisms that consume far less energy than thermal evaporation and can be scaled to various application sizes
4Device complexity
If traditional ICP device with single-gate and single-grounding is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but parasitic leakage current is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single gate structure into multiple gates (first gate and second gate) with separate grounding arrangements. This segmentation allows independent control of electric fields at different regions, reducing parasitic leakage current paths while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular electrode configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate grounded structure between the inlet and outlet regions. This intermediate grounding acts as an electrical mediator that provides a controlled reference potential, preventing direct parasitic current paths between high-potential and low-potential regions while maintaining clear functional zones in the device
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 GAA and MG ion exchange membrane configuration creates a fully depleted microfluidic channel, effectively separating ions and charged particles from the dilute water, reducing maintenance costs and energy consumption, and enhancing desalination efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Gate-all-around and multi-gate ion concentration polarization devices, systems, and methods for desalination
Implementation Method 2
The nanojunction 9 can transport only cations but not anions (selective to the charge type) and NAFION® is typically used for such demonstrations. By applying a sufficient electric field, an ion depletion zone gets formed, resulting an ion depletion boundary 5. The ions and charged particles get repelled electrically at the ion depletion boundary 5
Data Source
AI summary
A desalination apparatus comprises a fluid pathway having an inlet configured to receive salt water. A part of microfluidic channel is fluidly connected to the fluid pathway. At least one ion exchange membrane (IEM) gate is positioned in a Gate-All-Around (GAA) or a Multi-Gate (MG) configuration around the gated region of the microfluidic channel. At least first and second outlets of the fluid pathway are provided, wherein the GAA or MG ion exchange membrane is positioned between the first outlet and the inlet, wherein dilute of the salt water is expelled through the first outlet and concentrated brine of the salt water is expelled through the second outlet.