Development of a capacitive deionization (CDI) device for water desalination

• Main Author: Chia, Desmond Zhi Yong
• Other Authors: Yang Chun, Charles
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/78738
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In first world and some second world countries, access to fresh water is commonly taken for granted. With a simple flick of the tap comes a steady supply of fresh, potable water we use on a daily basis and unfortunately so often waste. However, not all of the world is so lucky in that regard nor do they have the luxury to do so. In many places around the world, access to fresh water is often difficult, tedious and sometimes outright impossible. At worst, some have no choice but to utilize contaminated water in their daily activities, knowing fully well that they are jeopardizing their health. On matters closer to home, due to her geographical location, Singapore has long faced the challenge of obtaining fresh water for its needs. Although great strides have been made in improving the situation, we still depend greatly on importing water from our closest neighbors to supplement a large portion of our daily needs. Should this supply be disrupted for whatever reason, it is not too far-fetched to imagine the following repercussions that would probably impact our society severely. It is with this mindset that the author has undertaken this project. He hopes to improve current methods to desalinate water and to also explore other options to improve clean water production throughput. This will hopefully alleviate the problem of access to fresh water in impoverished countries and also countries which are geographically disadvantaged. The focus of this report is on Capacitive Deionization (CDI) technology to desalinate water. The reader will also find details on modern desalination technologies and how CDI compares to the rest. The design, fabrication and experimental results of a CDI device will also be detailed.