A review of recent advances in electrode materials and applications for flow-electrode desalination systems

Flow-electrode capacitive deionization (FCDI) is an emerging desalination technology that overcomes the drawbacks of traditional capacitive deionization (CDI) by providing larger salt removal capacity and continuous desalination operation. Various approaches to the choice of cell configurations and electrode materials allow FCDI to increase the salt removal performance and extend its potential applications. In particular, Faradaic electrode materials for FCDI have recently emerged due to their various advantages over capacitive material, which include higher salt removal rate, lower energy consumption, and the ability to selectively remove specific ions. In this review, we summarize the background technology and mechanism of the FCDI system with an emphasis on the development of electrode materials, including capacitive and redox active electrodes, as well as their role in the various applications for FCDI and its future direction.

Automated summary

Flow-electrode capacitive deionization (FCDI) is a promising desalination technology that overcomes the limitations of traditional capacitive deionization (CDI) with larger salt removal capacity and continuous operation. The choice of cell configurations and electrode materials in FCDI enhances its salt removal performance and potential applications. Recent advances in Faradaic electrode materials offer higher salt removal rate, lower energy consumption, and selective ion removal. This review provides an overview of FCDI system, with focus on the development and role of capacitive and redox active electrode materials, and discusses its future directions.