Electrospun ultrafine carbon fiber webs for electrochemical capacitive desalination

Ultrafine carbon fiber webs were prepared from oxidatively stabilized electrospun poly(acrylonitrile) fibers, followed by carbonization or by further activation with steam. Capacitive de-ionization was evaluated in the batch mode. It was found that the webs exhibited considerable electrical adsorption, which was enhanced by activation with a faster electrosorption rate and a higher electrosorption capacity.