Capacitive Deionization (CDI) Cells

Overview

ScienceGears’ Capacitive Deionization (CDI) Cells are research-grade water desalination and purification platforms based on the electrical double-layer capacitor (EDLC) mechanism. Under a low direct voltage, dissolved cations and anions migrate toward oppositely charged porous electrodes and are electrostatically adsorbed at the electrode surfaces, forming electrical double layers. This electrosorption process removes salts and ionic impurities from the feed stream and enables controlled regeneration by polarity reversal or discharge. CDI is also widely referred to as Electrosorption Technology (EST). Customisation is available

Cell Designs and Materials

These cells are engineered for reproducible laboratory studies of ion capture, charge efficiency, and flow-field optimisation:

• CDI-01

           - Protective plates: PMMA
           - PEEK frame: 140 × 140 × 10 mm
           - Electrode gap: < 3 mm         

• CDI-02

                  - Protective plates: PMMA
                  - High-purity isostatic graphite current collector (grade 520) for improved conductivity
                  - Serpentine flow channel for uniform electrolyte distribution
                  - Current collector: 115 × 120 × 10 mm
                  - Flow channel size: 50 × 50 × 2 mm

Compatibility and Experimental Integration

CDI cells integrate seamlessly with common electrochemistry workflows, including:

• Potentiostats/galvanostats for voltage/current control and cycling
• EIS-capable systems for electrode and interface characterisation
• Peristaltic or syringe pumps for controlled flow and residence time
• Custom carbon, activated carbon, graphene, or composite CDI electrodes
  
  

Typical Applications

• Laboratory desalination and water purification research
• Fundamental studies of ion adsorption, selectivity, and charge efficiency
• Flow-field and current-collector optimisation
• Educational demonstrations of EDLC-inspired water treatment
  
  

   

Why ScienceGears

ScienceGears Australia supports CDI researchers with end-to-end electrochemical solutions—pairing these cells with suitable potentiostats, EIS modules, and related water-treatment test accessories—plus local technical guidance for experimental setup and electrode evaluation.