Electrosorption

Electrosorption is a process that utilizes an electric potential to enhance the adsorption of ions or molecules onto a conductive material. This method is particularly effective for removing dissolved species from liquids, such as water. The core principle involves applying a voltage across an electrode material, often made of activated carbon or porous metal oxides, which are immersed in the solution containing the target contaminants. This electrical potential creates an electrostatic field that attracts and binds the charged ions or polar molecules to the electrode surface.

The efficiency of electrosorption depends on several factors, including the applied voltage, the electrode material's properties (surface area, porosity, conductivity), the concentration of the adsorbate, and the solution's pH. As ions accumulate on the electrode, the material becomes saturated. To regenerate the electrode and release the adsorbed species, the polarity of the applied voltage is reversed or simply turned off. This allows for the recovery of the adsorbed materials or their disposal, making electrosorption a potentially regenerable and sustainable technology. Applications include water purification, desalination, heavy metal removal, and the recovery of valuable ions from industrial wastewater.