A desalination battery includes a container configured to contain a saline water solution having a first concentration c.sub.1 of dissolved salts; first and second intercalation hosts, arranged to be in fluid communication with the saline water solution, at least the first intercalation host including expanded graphite having a plurality of graphene layers with an interlayer spacing between the graphene layers in z-direction greater than 0.34 nm; and a power source configured to supply electric current to the first and second intercalation hosts such that the first and second intercalation hosts reversibly store and release cations and anions from the saline water solution located between the plurality of graphene layers to generate a fresh water solution having a second concentration c.sub.2 of dissolved salts and a brine solution having a third concentration c.sub.3 of dissolved salts within the container such that c.sub.3>c.sub.1>c.sub.2.

The systems and methods described herein relate to use of a reverse diffusion system for removal of dissolved ions from a fluid, for example, salt ions. Specific embodiments include a system for desalinating salt water to produce potable water. The systems and methods can include pulsing low levels of electricity via electrodes in a scrolling pattern, so as to sweep the ions across a unit.

A desalination battery includes a working intercalation electrode in a first compartment, a counter intercalation electrode in a second compartment, both compartments including saline water solution with an elevated concentration of dissolved salts, an ion exchange membrane arranged between the compartments, a voltage source arranged to supply voltage to the electrodes, and a sacrificial compound configured to neutralize charge within the first compartment at a predetermined voltage while being consumed by oxidation or reduction reactions upon an activation of the working electrode.

A water purification device comprising a pre-purified water reservoir for storing pre-purified water, a water vapor chamber for receiving water vapor generated from heating the pre-purified water in the pre-purified water reservoir, a condensation chamber for receiving the water vapor and condensing the water vapor into purified water, and a Peltier device comprising a hot side and a cold side. The hot side of the Peltier device heats the pre-purified water into water vapor and the cold side of the Peltier device condenses the water vapor into purified water.

A water treatment apparatus includes: a first granular electrode member and a second granular electrode member stored in a water treatment unit and provided so as to be separated from each other; a power supply unit which applies voltage between the first granular electrode member and the second granular electrode member so that ions contained in treatment target water supplied from one side of the water treatment unit are adsorbed to the first granular electrode member and the second granular electrode member; and a washing water supply pump which causes washing water to flow from the other side of the water treatment unit to the one side of the water treatment unit, thereby washing the first granular electrode member and the second granular electrode member, wherein the first granular electrode member and the second granular electrode member each include a plurality of flowable granular electrode members.

Further described herein are extensions to the basic concept of LHs as electrode materials, include both new materials for use with LHs and higher order poly-layer hydroxides (PLHs) as well as methods for synthesizing improved LH material such as with conductive supports or through the use of cross-linking. Finally, also described herein are embodiments enabling the use of LHs as flow electrodes as well as the use of 2-d LH materials for surface redox reactions.

Further described herein are extensions to the basic concept of LHs as electrode materials, include both new materials for use with LHs and higher order poly-layer hydroxides (PLHs) as well as methods for synthesizing improved LH material such as with conductive supports or through the use of cross-linking. Finally, also described herein are embodiments enabling the use of LHs as flow electrodes as well as the use of 2-d LH materials for surface redox reactions.

A desalination and energy storage system comprises at least one water reservoir, at least one negative-ion redox electrode, at least one positive-ion redox electrode, a cation-exchange membrane disposed between the at least one negative-ion redox electrode and the water reservoir, and an anion-exchange membrane disposed between the at least one positive-ion redox electrode and the water reservoir. The at least one water reservoir comprises an input and an output, wherein water in the at least one water reservoir is reduced below a threshold concentration during a desalination operation mode. The at least one negative-ion electrode comprises a first solution and is configured to accept, and have, a reversible redox reaction with at least one negative ion in the water, and the at least one positive-ion electrode comprises a second solution and is configured to accept, and have, a reversible redox reaction with at least one positive ion in the water.

Supercapacitive bioelectrical systems (SC-BESs) wherein the anode and cathode act as electrodes for a self-powered internal supercapacitor. The BES may further be enhanced by the use of optimized catalysts and enzymes to increase cell voltage and the use of a third capacitive electrode (AdE) short-circuited to the BES cathode and coupled to the BES anode to improve the power output of the self-powered internal supercapacitor.

Plasma discharges and electromagnetic fields may be applied to a liquid, such as water, for desalinization purposes and to treat unwanted material in the liquid.