Design and implementation of uniformizing manifolds and embedded flow fields for electrochemical desalination

Increasing global concerns regarding freshwater access has caused increasing research into emerging desalination technologies. One such promising technology is Faradaic deionization (FDI) using ion intercalation materials. This thesis outlines strategies to enhance fluid management within FDI cells, as the effectiveness of such an FDI system lies in the ability to distribute the electrolyte feed solution (salt water) uniformly to and within intercalation-based porous electrodes. The three chapters of this thesis outline the optimization of various aspects of a specific FDI system. The aspects of the FDI system that are the topic of this thesis are the manifold and the intercalation-based porous electrodes. The manifold will deliver the electrolyte feed solution (salt water) to the porous electrodes for desalination. The design and orientation of this manifold is integral to the overall performance of the system. Functional micro-channels are engraved in the porous electrode to decrease the energy consumption and more effectively distribute the electrolyte feed solution. The design and orientation of such micro-channels will also be discussed.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2023

Author dc:creator

• Loud IV, Irwin

Contributors dc:contributor

• Smith, Kyle C

• Desalination
• Electrochemistry
• Microfabrication
• Fluid Mechanics
• Energy Storage

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2023 Irwin Loud IV

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/122254

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F122254