This study has been focused on an experimental investigation of the electrosorption selectivity for alkali- and alkaline-earth cations in activated carbon-based capacitive deionization process. Cyclic voltammetry experiments showed that a large proportion of micropores in activated carbon electrodes were associated with electrical double-layer overlapping, and the specific capacitance of cations increased with the decrease of hydrated radius. A series of electrosorption experiments were conducted to identify the preferential electrosorption in multi-ionic solutions. The electrosorption selectivity of cations can be determined by the ionic charge, hydrated radius, and initial molar concentration. The activated carbon electrodes presented greater selectivity of smaller ions over larger ions due to size-affinity, while divalent cations possessing higher valence to screen the surface charge were more effectively removed than monovalent cations. The increase of initial molar concentration resulted in the increase of electrosorption capacity. Moreover, the ion selectivity can be further enhanced by increasing the applied voltage. The results are relevant to water desalination and softening in electrosorption. ? 2013 Elsevier B.V.
