Abstract: Systems and methods for hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis having integrated electrodeionization capabilities are provided. In an embodiment, the dialysis system includes a carbon source, a urease source and an electrodeionization unit. The carbon source and urease source can be in the form of removable cartridges.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell 102 comprises an ion exchange membrane 10 having anion and cation exchange materials. The membrane 10 can have separate anion and cation exchange layers 12, 14 that define a heterogeneous water-splitting interface therebetween. In one version, the membrane 10 has a textured surface having a pattern of texture features 26 comprising spaced apart peaks 28 and valleys 30. The membranes 10 can also have an integral spacer 80. A cartridge 100 can be fabricated with a plurality of the membranes 10 for insertion in a housing 129 of the electrochemical cell 102. The housing 129 can also have a detachable lid 96 that fits on the cartridge 100. The electrochemical cell 102 can be part of an ion controlling apparatus 120.

Abstract: Provided is a submerged-type, electrosorption-based desalination apparatus for water purification and method, comprising applying a DC voltage of 0.1 to 2.0 volts to a carbon electrode of the reactor to thereby adsorb inorganic ions on the carbon electrode, and reversely applying the same DC voltage having opposite polarity to recycle regeneration solution to the outside of the apparatus or into the treatment tank, thereby enhancing a recovery rate. In addition, in order to improve desalination efficiency, the reactor used in the desalination apparatus may be embodied in various forms of T-shaped, linear type, single, composite, and ion exchange membrane electrodes. Therefore, the present invention may be applied to remove inorganic ions from industrial wastewater, sea water, and brackish water, which contain large amounts of inorganic ions.

Abstract: The use of nanostructures to monitor or modulate changes in cellular membrane potentials is disclosed. Nanoparticles having phospholipid coatings were found to display improved responses relative to nanoparticles having other coatings that do not promote localization or attraction to membranes.

Abstract: An electrolytic method is provided for purifying an aqueous stream, including at least one contaminant ion. In one embodiment, the eluent stream flows through a purifying flow channel, including ion exchange bed, an electric field is applied through the flowing eluent stream in the purifying flow channel, and the contaminant ion is removed from the eluent stream. In another embodiment, no electric field is applied and the ion exchange bed is periodically regenerated. Two beds may be used with one bed on line while the other bed is regenerated followed by a reversal of flow.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water purifying system capable of efficiently producing treated water containing boron at a low concentration. Water to be treated is first fed to the RO membrane apparatus 1 and the passed water is fed through the boron absorptive apparatus 2. Water which was passed through the boron absorptive apparatus 2 and of which boron was thus removed is fed through the electrodeionization apparatus 3. In this manner, water treated by electrodeionization is taken out as treated water. The condensed water of the electrodeionization apparatus 3 may be discharged or returned to the upstream side of the RO membrane apparatus 1 through a return pipe 4 so that the condensed water is added to water to be treated. Suitably used as the absorptive agent accommodated in the boron absorptive apparatus 2 is a boron selective absorptive agent capable of selectively absorbing boron.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods, systems, and devices for electrically purifying liquids containing species such as minerals, salts, ions, organics, and the like. One aspect of the invention provides methods of regenerating media within an electrical purification device, for example, exposing the media to one or more eluting solutions, and/or selectively desorbing ions, organics, and/or other species from the media by exposing the media to certain eluting conditions. In yet another aspect, methods of selectively removing one or more ions, organics, and/or other species from a liquid to be purified are provided, e.g., by selective removal of one or more ions, or organics, and the like from solution that can easily precipitate, and/or cause scaling or fouling to occur.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water treatment or purification system and method for providing treated water in industrial, commercial and residential applications. The treatment system provides treated or softened water to a point of use by removing at least a portion of any hardness-causing species contained in water from a water source, such as municipal water, well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. The water treatment system includes an electrochemical device, such as an electrodeionization device, that can have at least one compartment that generates and traps hydrogen ions which can be used in another compartment of the electrochemical device such as, an electrode compartment, to reduce or at least dissolve any scale. Other applications of the system would be in the treatment and processing of foods and beverages, sugars, various industries such as the chemical, pharmaceutical, waste water treatment and power generating industries.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrochemically modifying the retention of a species on a chromatography material is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing having an effluent flow channel adapted to permit fluid flow therethrough. The effluent flow channel comprises chromatography material. The apparatus further comprises first and second electrodes positioned such that at least a portion of the chromatography material is disposed between the first and second electrodes, and fluid flow through the apparatus is between, and in contact with, the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A water treatment system provides treated or softened water to a point of use by removing a portion of any hardness-causing species contained in water from a point-of-entry coming from a water source, such as municipal water, well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. The water treatment system typically treats the water containing at least some undesirable species before delivering the treated water to a point of use. The water treatment system has a controller for adjusting or regulating at least one operating parameter of the treatment system or a component of the water treatment system to optimize the operation and performance of the system or components of the system. A flow regulator regulates a waste stream flow to drain and can be operated to recirculate fluid through electrode or concentrating compartments of an electrochemical device and can opened and closed intermittently according to a predetermined schedule or based on an operating parameter of the water treatment system.

Abstract: The invention includes novel anion exchange membranes formed by in situ polymerization of at least one monomer, polymer or copolymer on a woven support membrane and their methods of formation. The woven support membrane is preferably a woven PVC membrane. The invention also includes novel cation exchange membranes with or without woven support membranes and their methods of formation. The invention encompasses a process for using the membranes in electrodialysis of ionic solutions and in particular industrial effluents or brackish water or seawater. The electrodialysis process need not include a step to remove excess ions prior to electrodialysis and produces less waste by-product and/or by-products which can be recycled.

Abstract: An electric deionization device capable of sufficiently removing weak electrolyte components and producing processed desalting chamber having rectangular-parallelepiped frame 20, a compartment member 21 disposed in the frame 20 and, desirably, having conductivity, an ion exchange resin 23 filled in small chambes 22 formed by the compartment member 21, and an anion exchange membrane 24 and a cation exchange membrane 25 disposed so as to hold the frame 20. The compartment member 21 is formed in a hexagonal honeycomb shape. The ion exchange membrane 23 is the mixture of an anion exchange resin with a cation exchange resin, and its mixing ratio on the upstream side is different from that on the downstream side.

Abstract: An electrically and ionically conductive porous material including a thermoplastic binder and one or more of anion exchange moieties or cation exchange moieties or mixtures thereof and/or one or more of a protein capture resin and an electrically conductive material. The thermoplastic binder immobilizes the moieties with respect to each other but does not substantially coat the moieties and forms the electrically conductive porous material. A wafer of the material and a method of making the material and wafer are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrodeionization (EDI) apparatus and method comprising an ion-depleting chamber for removing ions from liquids passed therethrough, wherein a resistive component is coupled proximate the outlet region of the chamber so as to increase the electrical resistance of the outlet region of the chamber with respect to the inlet region of the chamber. The resistive component may be coupled to the ion-selective membranes bordering the diluting chamber and/or the concentrate chambers. In an alternative embodiment, the resistive component may be coupled between the ion-exchanging media particles themselves within the ion-depleting chambers. In each embodiment, the electrical resistance of the outlet region is increased with respect to the inlet region of the chamber, with results being that electrical current is shifted from the outlet region toward the inlet region, thus enhancing overall deionization performance of the EDI device.

Abstract: An electrolytic method is provided for purifying an aqueous stream, including at least one contaminant ion. In one embodiment, the eluent stream flows through a purifying flow channel, including ion exchange bed, an electric field is applied through the flowing eluent stream in the purifying flow channel, and the contaminant ion is removed from the eluent stream. In another embodiment, no electric field is applied and the ion exchange bed is periodically regenerated. Two beds may be used with one bed on line while the other bed is regenerated followed by a reversal of flow.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices able to purify fluids electrically that are contained within pressure vessels, as well as to methods of manufacture and use thereof. Liquids or other fluids to be purified enter the purification device and, under the influence of an electric field, are treated to produce an ion-depleted liquid. Species from the entering liquids are collected to produce an ion-concentrated liquid. Increasing the exterior pressure on the device may reduce the pressure difference between the interior of the device and the exterior, which may reduce manufacturing costs or simplify construction.

Abstract: An apparatus to treat an influent solution comprising ions to obtain a selectable ion concentration in an effluent solution. The apparatus comprises an electrochemical cell comprising a housing comprising first and second electrodes. A water-splitting ion exchange membrane is between the first and second electrodes, the membrane comprising ananion exchange surface facing the first electrode, and an cation exchange surface facing the second electrode, or vice versa. The housing also has an influent solution inlet and an effluent solution outlet with a solution channel that allows influent solution to flow past both the anion and cation exchange surfaces of the water-splitting ion exchange membrane to form the effluent solution. A variable voltage supply is capable of maintaining the first and second electrodes at a plurality of different voltages during an ion exchange stage.

Abstract: A liquid treatment process is described for sequential removal of ionic species of progressively decreasing ionic strength without precipitation or “scaling.” An aspect of the invention includes two or more electrodeionization operations within one or more electrodeionization stacks. The first electrodeionization operation is performed at a voltage calculated to remove strongly ionized species such as calcium and magnesium from the feed water without scaling. The product of the first electrodeionization operation is then subjected to a second electrodeionization operation. The second electrodeionization operation is performed at a voltage the same as the first electrodeionization operation, and is designed to remove more weakly ionized species such as silica and carbon dioxide, preventing scaling. More than two successive electrodeionization operations may be performed if desired. Multiple electrodeionization operations may occur in a single electrodeionization stack or in multiple electrodeionization stacks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting water treatment devices is provided. Connecting brackets may allow for a multiple configurations of water treatment devices and can simplify the building of water treatment systems.

Abstract: Deionisation and clarification process of the aqueous medium used in an electroerosion machine and product for this process, where the electroerosion machines are comprised of a purification circuit for this aqueous medium, which includes an ion exchange phase between some cationic and anionic resins with the aqueous dielectric medium, which has a conductivity of less than 40 ?S/cm, and to which a solution of oxalic acid and phosphoric acid in distilled/deionised water is added in the approximate proportion of oxalic acid between 0.18 and 0.035 moles and phosphoric acid between 1.28 and 2.5 moles per liter of solution.

Abstract: An electrodeionisation apparatus comprising, successively: means defining an anode chamber, means defining one or more anion exchange chambers, means defining one or more mixed exchange chambers, means defining one or more cation exchange chambers, and means defining a cathode chamber, the anion, mixed and cation exchange chambers providing a flow path for water to be purified, is described. The present invention incorporates advantages of both separate resin bed and mixed resin bed technology.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and methods for generating and recycling fluorine. The applicants recognized that a fluorine separator, used either alone or in combination with a plasma generator can produce sufficient quantities of fluorine at its point of use for thin film processing. The fluorine separator can take the form of a condenser, a membrane separation device, a fluorine ion conductor comprising a solid electrolyte, or a combination of the foregoing. In some embodiments, reaction products comprising fluorine are passed to the fluorine separator. In other embodiments, separated fluorine is passed, either alone or in conjunction with additional feed stock comprising fluorine, to a plasma generator. The fluorine separator allows fluorine to be recycled and waste products to be eliminated from the system.

Abstract: In the electrodeionization deionized water producing apparatus, water is passed through a deionizing chamber(s) packed with an organic porous ion exchange material having a three-dimensional network structure to remove ionic impurities in the water, thereby producing deionized water. At the same time, a DC electric field is applied to the deionizing chamber(s) to discharge ionic impurities adsorbed on the organic porous ion exchange material outside the system, wherein the DC electric field is applied so that the ions to be discharged may electrophoretically move in the direction reverse to the flow of water through the organic porous ion exchange material.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for continuously making an organic ester from a lower alcohol and an organic acid is disclosed. An organic acid or salt is introduced or produced in an electrode ionization (EDI) stack with a plurality of reaction chambers each formed from a porous solid ion exchange resin wafer interleaved between anion exchange membranes or an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane or an anion exchange membrane and a bipolar exchange membranes. At least some reaction chambers are esterification chambers and/or bioreactor chambers and/or chambers containing an organic acid or salt. A lower alcohol in the esterification chamber reacts with an anion to form an organic ester and water with at least some of the water splitting with the ions leaving the chamber to drive the reaction.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for introducing ion exchange or other particulates into compartments of an already-assembled electrodeionization or comparable stack by modulating a flow of slurry into the compartments with slugs of gas such as air. The air propels liquid through the cells, scavenging ponded liquid so that the particulates (which are retained, e.g., by a strainer or obstruction, in compartment of the apparatus) are deposited as well-packed beds to fill the compartments. Pressurized air filling protocols may deliver discrete slugs of slurry between bursts of air, and the direction of filling may be periodically reversed to diminish particle bed non-homogeneities or settling gradients that arise during transport. The slugs of air may be applied in the direction of slurry flow, in the reverse direction, or both. Different slurries may be transported in a sequence to form layered and packed beds of enhanced utility.

Abstract: The electrodeionization water producing apparatus comprising a depletion chamber packed with an ion exchange material, the depletion chamber being partitioned by a cation exchange membrane on one side and an anion exchange membrane on the other side, and concentrate chambers installed on both sides of the depletion chamber with the cation exchange membrane and the anion exchange membrane disposed inbetween, the depletion chamber and the concentrate chambers disposing between an anode chamber equipped with an anode and a cathode chamber equipped with a cathode, wherein the concentrate chambers are packed with an organic porous ion exchange material having a continuous pore structure in which the wall made from interconnected macropores contains mesopores with an average diameter of 1 to 1,000 ?m. The apparatus ensures reduction of electric resistance and does not form scale in the concentrate chamber during long continuous operation.

Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus and method for purifying a fluid. A fluid, such as water, can be purified by removing weakly ionizable species from the fluid. Weakly ionizable species may be dissociated at different pH levels to facilitate removal from the fluid in an electrodeionization device.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing charged contaminants from a water stream. The apparatus can be figured to provide the decontaminated water stream to an analytical system. Methods of use of the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved electrodeionization system for removing ions from liquids passed therethrough, comprising a flow-through electrodeionization module, and a power supply electrically connected to the electrodeionization module electrodes so as to establish a voltage gradient thereacross. The invention includes a monitoring device such as a resistivity sensor for monitoring the value of a property (e.g. resistivity) of the liquid output flow from the electrodeionization module, and a controller responsive to the monitoring device, for controlling the amount of time that the power supply is turned on, to maintain output quality within a predetermined range, while conserving power and simplifying power supply design.

Abstract: For dosing lithium in cooling water containing cationic impurities or for reducing cationic impurities, the invention guides cooling water cycle through a first side of an electrodialysis unit and guides a concentration cycle through a second side of the electrodialysis unit. Cationic impurities are filtered out of the medium of the concentration cycle with a selective ion exchanger that is disposed in the concentration cycle.

Abstract: A system for decontamination of radioactive components includes an acidic decontamination solution which is exposed to radioactive components to remove a layer of contaminated material and an ion exchange cell which removes the radioactive contamination from the decontamination solution. The ion exchange cell has cathode, anode and central compartments. The decontamination solution flows into the central compartment and the radioactive cations in the solution are drawn towards the cathode. The acidity in the cathode chamber is controlled so that small radioactive metal particles are deposited on the cathode. A cathode solution flows over the cathode which removes the deposited radioactive particles. The cathode solution and small particles flow into a waste collection container where the metal particles settle to the bottom of the container where they are easily separated from the solution. The only waste product produced by the system are the small radioactive metal particles which are easily disposed of.

Abstract: The electrodeionization water producing apparatus comprising a depletion chamber packed with an ion exchange material, the depletion chamber being partitioned by a cation exchange membrane on one side and an anion exchange membrane on the other side, and concentrate chambers installed on both sides of the depletion chamber with the cation exchange membrane and the anion exchange membrane disposed inbetween, the depletion chamber and the concentrate chambers disposing between an anode chamber equipped with an anode and a cathode chamber equipped with a cathode, wherein the concentrate chambers are packed with an organic porous ion exchange material having a continuous pore structure in which the wall made from interconnected macropores contains mesopores with an average diameter of 1 to 1,000 &mgr;m. The apparatus ensures reduction of electric resistance and does not form scale in the concentrate chamber during long continuous operation.

Abstract: A process for purifying and concentrating a gluconic acid derivative, such as 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, comprising introducing a non-viable and/or acidified fermentation medium or an in-vitro reactor medium comprising at least the gluconic acid derivative and/or salt thereof to electrodialysis thereby purifying and concentrating the gluconic acid derivative.

Abstract: Electrodeionization apparatus and method. The electrodeionization apparatus includes an ion-depleting compartment in which alternating layers of an electroactive media are positioned. One of the alternating layers is doped to provide a more balanced current distribution through the apparatus. The method involves providing reducing the difference in conductivity between the alternating layers positioned in the ion-depleting compartment by adding a dopant material to one of the layers.

Abstract: An electrolyitic suppressor including (a) a suppressor bed of ion exchange resin, (b) an electrode chamber adjacent the suppressor, (c) a first electrode in the electrode chamber, (d) a barrier separating the suppressor bed from the first electrode chamber preventing significant liquid flow but permitting transport of ions only of the same charge as the suppressor bed resin, (e) a second electrode in electrical communication with the resin bed, and (f) a recycle conduit between the suppressor outlet port and said electrode chamber. The second electrode may be in contact with the ion exchange resin in the suppressor or located in second electrode chamber.

Abstract: For anion analysis, the method includes: (a) flowing an aqueous liquid sample stream containing anions to be detected and cation hydroxide through a separator bed, (b) flowing the aqueous effluent from the separator bed through a flow-through suppressor, (c) flowing the effluent liquid from the suppressor past a detector, (d) recycling said liquid effluent from the detector through a cathode chamber proximate to the suppressor bed and separated by a first barrier, and (e) applying an electrical potential between the cathode and the anode. Water is electrolyzed at the anode to cause cations on the cation exchange resin to electromigrate toward the barrier and to be transported across the barrier toward the cathode while water in the cathode chamber is electrolyzed to generate hydroxide ions which combine with the transported cations to form cation hydroxide in the cathode chamber.

Abstract: A porous immobilized ion-exchange material is provided. Also provided is an electrodeionization device incorporating the material. A method for subjecting a fluid to electrodeionization, is provided utilizing porous immobilized ion-exchange material. A salient feature of the material is that it can be regenerated in situ.

Abstract: An electrodeionisation apparatus comprising a first deionising flow path and an integral second deionising flow path is described. The outflow from the first path is held in a holding tank prior to passage through the second flow path, and the outflow from the second path is available for use. Optionally, the second path outflow is partly or fully returned to the holding tank. Me recirculation of the already purified water in the holding tank maintains the water in the holding tank at a higher standard than otherwise “standing” purified water. The water in the holding tank could be separately made available for use. The apparatus requires the use of only a single pair of electrodes and hence one power supply. Moreover, the ion exchange materials in the first deionising flow path can be regenerated when water is not flowing through them such that they have a greater capacity for deionisation when required.

Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus has an anolyte compartment 17 having an anode 11, a catholyte compartment 18 having a cathode 12, concentrating compartments 15, and desalting compartments 16. The concentrating compartments 15 and the desalting compartments 16 are alternately formed between the anolyte compartment 17 and the catholyte compartment 18 by alternately arranging a plurality of anion-exchange membranes 13 and a plurality of cation-exchange membranes 14. The desalting compartments 16 are filled with ion-exchanger and the concentrating compartments 15 are filled with ion-exchanger, activated carbon, or electric conductor. Electrode water flows into the anolyte compartment 17 and the catholyte compartment 18. Concentrated water is introduced into the concentrating compartments 15. Raw water is fed into the desalting compartment 16 to produce the deionized water from the desalting compartment 16.

Abstract: An electrochemical ion exchange cell comprises a metal carbollide as ion exchange material. The carbollide is preferably a polynuclear cobalt dicarbollide and is typically substituted by chlorine. Also novel are polynuclear metal carbollides comprising a substituted carbollide cage, as well as metal carbollides comprising a carbollide cage substituted by a moiety having a —COOH or —SH group.

Abstract: An improved electrodeionization system for removing ions from liquids passed therethrough, comprising a flow-through electrodeionization module, and a power supply electrically connected to the electrodeionization module electrodes so as to establish a voltage gradient thereacross. The invention includes a monitoring device such as a resistivity sensor for monitoring the value of a property (e.g. resistivity) of the liquid output flow from the electrodeionization module, and a controller responsive to the monitoring device, for controlling the amount of time that the power supply is turned on, to maintain output quality within a predetermined range, while conserving power and simplifying power supply design.

Abstract: An electrolytic process and apparatus is disclosed for oxidizing or reducing inorganic and organic species, especially in dilute aqueous solutions, and for water purification and treatment. The electrolytic reactor includes an anode, cathode and a packed bed of particulate ion exchange material which, preferably, is modified by converting a portion of the transfer sites to semiconductor junctions which act as mini anodes, or cathodes, to significantly increase the capacity of the reactor to oxidize or reduce the species to be treated, or split water. The ion exchange material may be a monobed of either modified anion exchange material or modified cation exchange material, or a mixed bed of both, and can be in direct contact with either the anode or cathode, or separated from both. Under the influence of direct current, free radical hydroxyl, free radical hydrogen, regenerant hydroxyl ion and/or regenerant hydrogen ion are generated.

Abstract: An electrolytic process and apparatus are disclosed for water purification and pH adjustment. The electrolytic reactor includes an anode, cathode and a bed of particulate ion exchange material modified by converting a portion of the transfer sites to semiconductor junctions. The ion exchange material may be a monobed of either modified anion exchange material or modified cation exchange material, or a mixed bed of both. Undesirable ions are exchanged onto the ion exchange material at the ion exchange sites. Regenerant ions, produced at the semiconductor junctions then exchange with the undesirable ions attached to the ion exchange material, and the undesirable ions migrate through the bed toward the respective anode or cathode and out of the aqueous solution. The pH of the aqueous solution can be adjusted by passing the solution through either a modified cation resin bed or through a modified anion resin bed to lower or increase the pH, respectively.

Abstract: An electrodeionization-based process for purifying water to remove ionic species is disclosed. Ionic removal is accomplished by supplying an electrical current between an anode and a cathode of an electrodeionization module in the range of about 1.5 to 15 times a “theoretical minimum current”. The current is supplied by a power source capable of automatically increasing or decreasing voltage in response to a change in the electrical impedance of the electrodeionization module to maintain constant current. Conduct of the process on pretreated water yields deionized water of good quality, while maintaining conditions that promote the longevity of the electrodeionization module.

Abstract: An electrolyitic suppressor including (a) a suppressor bed of ion exchange resin, (b) an electrode chamber adjacent the suppressor, (c) a first electrode in the electrode chamber, (d) a barrier separating the suppressor bed from the first electrode chamber preventing significant liquid flow but permitting transport of ions only of the same charge as the suppressor bed resin, (e) a second electrode in electrical communication with the resin bed, and (f) a recycle conduit between the suppressor outlet port and said electrode chamber. The second electrode may be in contact with the ion exchange resin in the suppressor or located in second electrode chamber.

Abstract: A continuous electrodeionization apparatus and method. The continuous electrodeionization apparatus and method provide improved removal of weakly ionized ions, particularly silica. The apparatus and method involves using macroporous ion exchange resins that are both highly crosslinked and have a high water content. In preferred embodiments, the ion exchange resin beads also have a substantially uniform diameter.

Abstract: First and second stages are used in electrodeionization to purify water including calcium and carbon dioxide and its hydrates. The diluting flow channels of the first stage include only anion exchange material or cation exchange material, and thus remove either carbon dioxide and its hydrates (and other anions) or calcium (and other cations) but not the other. The diluting flow channels of the second stage receive the diluting channel effluent from the first stage and include the other type of exchange resin (or a mixed resin) and remove the oppositely charged ions. The brine effluent from the concentrating flow channels in the first stage is isolated from the second stage, and calcium and total inorganic carbon tend to be removed in different stages so as to deter calcium carbonate precipitation in any of the concentrating flow channels.

Abstract: Electrodeionization apparatus and method. The electrodeionization apparatus includes an ion-depleting compartment in which alternating layers of an electroactive media are positioned. One of the alternating layers is doped to provide a more balanced current distribution through the apparatus. The method involves reducing the difference in conductivity between the alternating layers positioned in the ion-depleting compartment by adding a dopant material to one of the layers.

Abstract: A method of treating an ion exchange material, the method including: (a) positioning at least two regions of ion exchange material between an anode and cathode electrode, wherein at least a portion of the two regions being in electrical contact and being separated by a non-ion specific permeable interface; (b) supplying water to the at least two regions; (c) applying an electric potential between the electrodes thereby causing generation of hydrogen ions at the anode and hydroxide ions at the cathode, which ions are caused to move through each region towards the oppositely-charged electrode and thereby displacing at least a portion of any anions or cations associated with the ion exchange material in each region such that the displaced anions and cations are also caused to move through the regions towards the oppositely charged electrode; and (d) removing at least some of the cations and/or anions formed during step (c) which reach the interface.

Abstract: Two sub-desalination chambers d1 and d2 are defined by a cation exchange membrane 3 on one side, an anion exchange membrane 4 on the other side, and an intermediate ion exchange membrane 5 in between and are filled with ion exchange materials 8 to construct a desalination chamber D. Concentrating chambers 1 are provided via the cation exchange membrane 3 and the anion exchange membrane 4 on both sides of the desalination chamber D. The desalination chambers D and the concentrating chambers 1 are provided between an anode 7 and a cathode 6. While a voltage is applied between the anode 7 and the cathode 6, water is supplied to one of the two sub-desalination chambers d2 and then, water discharged from the first sub-desalination chamber d2 is supplied to a second sub-desalination chamber d1. Concentrate water is supplied to the concentrate chambers.