Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to apparatuses and methods for extraction of ions, including lithium ions. For example, certain aspects are generally directed to electrochemical ion exchange techniques, in which ion exchange is driven by electricity. In some embodiments, a fluid rich in target ions (e.g., a feed solution) may be present in a compartment containing a target-ion selective electrode, and target ions from the fluid may be incorporated into the electrode, e.g., by applying a suitable current to drive ion exchange. At a second time, the target ions may be removed from the electrode, e.g., into a fluid poor in target ions (e.g., a recovery solution), for example, by applying a suitable current to drive ion exchange. In addition, certain embodiments are generally directed to a stack of such compartments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-biological deionization fuel cell (DFC) comprising, inter alia, a cathode comprising a non-platinum group metal and a nitrogen doped carbon matrix. Further provided is a method of preparing the catalyst through a zeolitic imidazolate framework precursor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for selective separation of positively charged monovalent ionic species from an ionic solution. The method comprises passing the ionic solution comprising a positively charged monovalent ion and a positively charged polyvalent ion through an electrode capacitor assembly comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, the electrodes comprising nanoporous carbon, wherein the first electrode is modified with sulfonate surface groups; and at least one flow channel for the passage of the solution. The method further comprises charging the electrode capacitor assembly (1) at a voltage of at least about 1.5 V; and/or (2) for scaled charging time of less than about 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for selective separation of positively charged monovalent ionic species from an ionic solution. The method comprises passing the ionic solution comprising a positively charged monovalent ion and a positively charged polyvalent ion through an electrode capacitor assembly comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, said electrodes comprising nanoporous carbon, wherein the first electrode is modified with sulfonate surface groups; and at least one flow channel for the passage of the solution. The method further comprises charging the electrode capacitor assembly (1) at a voltage of at least about 1.5 V; and/or (2) for scaled charging time of less than about 2.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for capacitive desalination using segmented electrodes in a flow-through or flow-between configuration. The segmented electrodes constitute layered stack electrode units. Each electrode includes pores into which the target salt water flows. An electrical circuit energizes the electrodes and produces an electrical field acting on the target salt water producing desalted water. The segmented electrodes provide ultra-thin cells into a robust framework necessary for desalination applications which yield orders of magnitude faster desalination.

Abstract: An electrode “flow-through” capacitive desalination system wherein feed water is pumped through the pores of a pair of monolithic porous electrodes separated by an ultrathin non-conducting porous film. The pair of monolithic porous electrodes are porous conductors made of a material such as activated carbon aerogel. The feed water flows through the electrodes and the spacing between electrodes is on the order 10 microns.