Mathematical modeling of solution deionization by sorption on aerogel electrodes

The mathematical modeling is used to study the dynamics of solution deionization by sorption on aerogel electrodes. The matter transport by solution flow, diffusion, and sorption in pores are simulated. Several models are proposed to describe the phenomenon with different degree of approximation. Problems arising in numerical computing and ways to solve them are described. It is shown that at low solution concentrations and a small pore size the effect of electro-sorption is not reduced to the formation of a double electric layer on the pore surface, which uptakes ions from the solution. In addition to the formation of this layer distributed ionic charge is accumulated all over the pore space. The dependence of the effective diffusion coefficient inside the porous electrode on the ion concentration is found. Examples of calculating the deionization process at one-cycle and multi-cycle sorption are given.