Removal of Electrolytes from Dilute Aqueous Solutions Using Activated Carbon Electrodes

Abstract

The removal of electrolytes from aqueous solutions and cyclic operation were carried out using a small size flow through capacitor apparatus. The operation condition of the apparatus which are voltage, flow rates of solution and form of carbon electrode are determind. The effect of the characteristics of activated carbons on removal of various kinds of surfates electrolytes were discussed by using 9 kinds of activated carbons which were orginated from different raw materials. It is suggested that specific surface area of activated carbons contributed siginificantly to the removal of ions. Introduction of oxygenfunctional groups on the activated carbons promotes the amount of ion removal. It was recognized that it showed a tendency of removal as much as sulfates whose ion radius was small. In the case of cyclic operation, the electrodes are discharged or short-circuited at some point, adsorbed ions are desorped and the electrode is regenerated.