Capacitive deionization of NaCl solution with carbon aerogel-silica gel composite electrodes

Carbon aerogel-silica gel composite materials with different kinds of ratios were used as the electrode-active materials for a capacitive deionization (CDI) process, which were prepared by a paste rolling method. The electrochemical parameters such as current values, coulombs, specific coulombs and coulombic efficiencies were investigated using a unit cell. The composite electrodes showed good wettability and high mechanical strengths with adequate durability under 1,000 ppm NaCl solution. Also, the composite electrodes showed an effective cycle ability without destroying active materials from the composite electrode, which decreased the manufacturing time by 50%. Additions of silica gel obviously improved coulombic results and led to effective performance of the CDI process.