Patent attributes
There is disclosed an electrochemical cell for treating water comprising at least one water chamber configured to hold water to be treated; at least one redox electrode comprising reactants capable of accepting and having a reversible redox reaction with at least one negative ion in the water; at least one intercalation electrode capable of accommodating and intercalating at least one positive ion in the water, wherein the intercalation electrode is immersed in the water chamber or separated from the water chamber by an optional porous separator; and an anion exchange membrane separating the redox electrode from the water chamber. The cell can be used to desalinate water having a wide range of salinities, including sea water, and brackish water. The cell can also be used to collect salt, which can subsequently used to concentrate industrial brine. Methods for using the electrochemical cell to treat water, such as desalinate saline solutions are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for concentrated brine production for making salt.
