Efficient removal of copper ions through photothermal enhanced flow-electrode capacitive deionization

Abstract

Removing Cu²⁺ from wastewater through capacitive deionization at low temperatures is a great challenge. Herein, a new strategy for enhancing the performance was developed using photothermal carbon nanospheres as the electrodes. Upon irradiating with sunlight, the Cu²⁺ removal rate and Cu²⁺/Na⁺ selectivity were increased by 74% and 43%, respectively.