Dimensional optimization enables high-performance capacitive deionization

Capacitive deionization (CDI) technology is an effective seawater desalination technology due to its high cycle efficiency and good reversibility property, which has been extensively focused on. As one of the core components in CDI systems, the optimization of the nano-electrode material based on nano-scale dimensions is one of the most notable subjects. Thus far, several CDI electrode materials with different nano-scale dimensions have been applied in the assembly of CDI devices. This review analyzes the adsorption mechanism and adsorption performance of electrode materials with different dimensions (one-dimensional, two-dimensional and three-dimensional), and it reveals the mystery of the mechanism of the nano-scale dimension design on high CDI adsorption capacity as well as the systematic optimization strategies for advanced CDI electrode materials. This work can open up a new perspective for the development of high-efficiency CDI desalination. A schematic diagram of the relationship between material dimensions and optimized CDI performance.