Development of multi-walled carbon nanotube/poly(vinyl alcohol) composite as electrode for capacitive deionization
Journal
Separation and Purification Technology
Journal Volume
130
Pages
7-14
Date Issued
2014
Author(s)
Abstract
To improve the electrode performance in capacitive deionization, a multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composite electrode was prepared in this study. The electrosorption performance of this composite electrode was evaluated in terms of capacitive characteristics, number cycles, desalting capability, and compared to that of commercial activated carbon. Results showed that the MWCNT/PVA composite electrode had strong hydrophilicity, high mesoporosity, and excellent capacitor characteristics. The cyclic voltammetry curves of the MWCNT/PVA composite represented less scan-rate and concentration dependency, reflecting better rate capacity for ion electrosorption. From the desalination experiments of 0.001 M NaCl at 1.2 V, the MWCNT/PVA composite electrode exhibited a larger ion removal capacity (13.07 mg g-1), higher electrosorption rate (0.073 min-1), and less energy consumption (0.038 kW h m-3) as compared to that of the activated carbon electrode. The good electrosorption performance could be attributed to the mesoporous structure that is less affected by double-layer overlapping and then facilitates ion transport. Additionally, the MWCNT/PVA composite electrode revealed a higher effective surface area of 26.04% of the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area, which was -10 fold than that of activated carbon electrode. Overall, because of its excellent electrode properties and morphology advantage, the composite electrode is a desirable material for the removal of ions in capacitive deionization. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Subjects
Activated carbon electrode; Capacitive deionization; Cyclic voltammetry; Electrosorption; Multi-walled carbon nanotube
SDGs
Other Subjects
Activated carbon; Cyclic voltammetry; Desalination; Electrodes; Energy utilization; Ions; Morphology; Nanotubes; Polyvinyl alcohols; Sodium chloride; Activated carbon electrode; Brunauer-emmett-teller surface areas; Capacitive characteristics; Capacitive deionization; Commercial activated carbons; Cyclic voltammetry curves; Electrosorption; Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA); Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCN)
Type
journal article