Cited by 323Membrane-based Ion Separation TechniquesMembrane Separation TechnologiesNanopore and Nanochannel Transport Studies

Flow Electrode Capacitive Deionization (FCDI): Recent Developments, Environmental Applications, and Future Perspectives

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Zhang, Changyong, Ma, Jinxing, Wu, Lei, Sun, Jingyi, Wang, Li, Li, Tianyu, Waite, T. David·2021·Environmental Science & Technology

Abstract

With the increasing severity of global water scarcity, a myriad of scientific activities is directed toward advancing brackish water desalination and wastewater remediation technologies. Flow-electrode capacitive deionization (FCDI), a newly developed electrochemically driven ion removal approach combining ion-exchange membranes and flowable particle electrodes, has been actively explored over the past seven years, driven by the possibility of energy-efficient, sustainable, and fully continuous production of high-quality fresh water, as well as flexible management of the particle electrodes and concentrate stream. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of current advances of this interesting technology with particular attention given to FCDI principles, designs (including cell architecture and electrode and separator options), operational modes (including approaches to management of the flowable electrodes), characterizations and modeling, and environmental applications (including water desalination, resource recovery, and contaminant abatement). Furthermore, we introduce the definitions and performance metrics that should be used so that fair assessments and comparisons can be made between different systems and separation conditions. We then highlight the most pressing challenges (i.e., operation and capital cost, scale-up, and commercialization) in the full-scale application of this technology. We conclude this state-of-the-art review by considering the overall outlook of the technology and discussing areas requiring particular attention in the future.

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Crossref · 10.1021/acs.est.0c06552

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Authors
Zhang, C., Ma, J., Wu, L., Sun, J., Wang, L., Li, T., & Waite, T. D.
Affiliations
  • UNSW Sydney (AU)
  • Yale University (US)
  • OriginWater (China) (CN)
  • Tongji University (CN)
Corresponding author
Waite, T. David
Venue
Environmental Science & Technology
Published
2021-03-16
Volume
55
Issue
8
Pages
4243-4267
ISSN
  • 0013-936X (ISSN-L)
  • 1520-5851
OpenAlex
W3139472465
Cited by
323
References
224
Citations by year
2026: 72 · 2025: 69 · 2024: 80 · 2023: 44 · 2022: 36 · 2021: 22
FWCI
3.84
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Environmental Science & Technology (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
Australian Research Council (LP170101180)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Membrane-based Ion Separation Techniques
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Water Science and Technology › Membrane Separation Technologies
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Nanopore and Nanochannel Transport Studies
Keywords
flow-electrode capacitive deionization, brackish water desalination, wastewater remediation, ion exchange membranes, ion removal, resource recovery, cellular architecture, performance indicators, energy-efficient water treatment
MeSH terms
Adsorption, Electrodes, Ion Exchange, Sodium Chloride, Water Purification

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