Abstract: Flow-through capacitors are provided with one or more charge barrier layers. Ions trapped in the pore volume of flow-through capacitors cause inefficiencies as these ions are expelled during the charge cycle into the purification path. A charge barrier layer holds these pore volume ions to one side of a desired flow stream, thereby increasing the efficiency with which the flow-through capacitor purifies or concentrates ions.

Abstract: The invention features an electrode array (7) in which pairs of electrodes (1) are geometrically arranged so that the broadest faces of the exposed electrodes are not directly opposing to each other. Rather, the broadest facing surfaces of the electrodes in the array are parallel, adjacent, or offset at an angle. The electrode geometry of an electrode array of the invention permits electrodes to be in close proximity, thereby lowering series resistance, while minimizing the possibility for short circuits that can cause electrical leakage. An electrode array of the invention can be used in an electrochemical cell, such as a battery, e.g., a lithium battery, a capacitor, a flow-through capacitor, or a fuel cell.

Abstract: The invention features an electrochemical device which includes at least two capacitor electrodes 16, each of which includes a conductive material characterized in that at least ten percent (10%) of the overall surface area of the conductive material is an edge plane. In contrast to a basal plane, the electric field along an edge plane is distorted so as to exhibit an ‘edge effect or ‘fringe effect. Capacitor electrodes 16 with many edges, points, corners, or fractal surfaces exhibit greater capacitance per unit volume or mass amount of capacitor electrode material, than do materials in which the surface area of the material is predominately basal plane. An electrochemical device of the invention can be, for example, an electrochemical cell, e.g., a battery, a capacitor, or a flow-through capacitor.

Abstract: A flow-through capacitor and method for the purification of fluids, like soft water. The capacitor includes anode-cathode electrodes (3) composed of a low surface area electrode material having a surface area between 10 to 1000 square meter per gram BET (Brunauer Emmett Teller method) to form one or more cells.

Abstract: Flow-through capacitors are provided with one or more charge barrier layers. Ions trapped in the pore volume of flow-through capacitors cause inefficiencies as these ions are expelled during the charge cycle into the purification path. A charge barrier layer holds these pore volume ions to one side of a desired flow stream, thereby increasing the efficiency with which the flow-through capacitor purifies or concentrates ions.

Abstract: A flow-through capacitor and fluid for the purification system wherein the flow-through capacitor comprises a plurality of individuals, electrolyte-isolated cells (7), and the cells are electrically connected in series in a cartridge holder.

Abstract: A separator (1), electrode (2) and collector (3), each made of a polygonal sheet, are stacked up in a multi-layer serial arrangement of [{fraction (3/2)}/½] sub n/3, with the provision of a through-hole in the respective sheets in the corresponding position for passage of a liquid. The stack is accommodated in a housing (8) so that it may be compressed from both sides at a pressure 0.5 kg per cubic meter G by tightening a retainer (4) which doubles as a cover. The liquid to be treated is passed through the capacitor through an inlet and outlet (5).