The Use of Carbon Aerogel Electrodes for Deionizing Water and Treating Aqueous Process Wastes
Abstract
A wide variety of ionic contaminates can be removed from aqueous solutions by electrosorption on carbon aerogel electrodes. Carbon aerogel is an ideal electrode material because of its low electrical resistivity, high specific area, and controllable pore size distribution. This approach may avoid the generation of a substantial amount of secondary waste associated with ion exchange processing. Ion exchange resins require concentrated solutions of acid, base, or salt for regeneration, whereas carbon aerogel electrodes require only electrical discharge or reverse polarization. Aqueous solutions of NaCl, NaNO3, NH4ClO4, Na2CO3, Na2SO4, and Na3PO4 have been separated into concentrate and high-purity product streams. The deionization of NaCl solution with two parallel stacks of carbon aerogel electrodes in a potential-swing mode is discussed in detail. The selective removal of Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr, Mn, Co, and U from a variety of process solutions and natural waters has also been demonstrated. Feasibility tests indicate that the remediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated ground water may be possible.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA349202
Entities
People
- David V. Fix
- Gregory V. Mack
- Joseph C. Farmer
Organizations
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory