Carbon nanotube-based materials as capacitive deionization electrodes

Capacitive deionization (CDI) is an emerging desalination technology that uses ion electrosorption at electrically charged electrode interfaces and has gained increasing recognition as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for water purification. Among the various electrode materials, carbon nanotube (CNT)-based structures have attracted considerable research interest because of their outstanding physicochemical properties, including high specific surface area, superior electrical conductivity, and excellent electrochemical stability. Significant efforts have been devoted to improving the CDI performance of CNT-based electrodes using material engineering and structural design. A comprehensive analysis of recent advances in performance optimization strategies for CNT-based CDI electrodes is provided, and their pivotal role in driving technological progress in CDI is evaluated. Persistent challenges and promising research to overcome current limitations are also considered.