Samsung and Sungkyunkwan University Develop Power-Recovering Electrochemical Water Treatment Technology
Samsung Electronics, in collaboration with Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), has published a groundbreaking research paper on a next-generation electrochemical water treatment technology capable of power recovery. The study appears in Joule, a globally recognized journal in the field of energy research.
Titled “Divalent and Halide Dual-Ion Storage of a Redox-Active Symmetric Cell for an Efficient Wastewater-Energy Nexus,” the paper introduces an innovative method that integrates water purification and energy storage into a single system. This approach addresses two major challenges of conventional electrochemical water treatment—high energy consumption and cost inefficiency—by enabling recovered energy from the treatment process to power external devices. The technology opens new possibilities for sustainable water treatment solutions across industries and in everyday life.
The research was jointly conducted by Samsung Research’s Life Solution Team and a group led by Professor HoSeok Park from SKKU’s Department of Chemical Engineering. Samsung participated throughout the project—from the initial idea and experimental design to implementation and verification—making significant contributions to the study’s success and the validation of this innovative electrochemical process.
Since its establishment by Cell Press in 2017, Joule has become a leading international publication that covers the latest advancements in energy, materials science, and physical chemistry. Having this research featured in such a prestigious journal marks an important milestone for both Samsung Research and SKKU, underlining their growing influence in the field of sustainable technology.
Overcoming the Challenges of Electrochemical Water Treatment
Traditional electrochemical water treatment technologies rely on a method called capacitive deionization (CDI). In CDI, an electric voltage is applied to a pair of electrodes, attracting and removing charged ions—such as calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺)—from water. This process effectively reduces hardness, preventing scale buildup and improving the performance of cleaning agents.
Unlike membrane-based filtration systems, which physically separate impurities using selective barriers, electrochemical systems require no physical filters, leading to easier maintenance and lower operational costs. These advantages have made electrochemical approaches a promising area of research for sustainable water purification.
However, current CDI technologies face key limitations. The electrode regeneration process, which restores the electrodes’ ion-adsorbing capacity, demands additional electrical energy, reducing overall efficiency. Furthermore, CDI systems often rely on ion exchange membranes to prevent the re-adsorption of ions during regeneration. These membranes are expensive and prone to wear, limiting the technology’s commercial viability.
To overcome these barriers, the Samsung–SKKU team developed a next-generation electrochemical water treatment system that operates without ion exchange membranes. The new technology reduces component costs, enhances ion removal efficiency, and can recover and reuse power generated during electrode regeneration—offering a new model for sustainable water-energy management.
Innovative Electrode Design With Enhanced Ion Storage
At the heart of this breakthrough is a metal oxide-based nanostructured electrode, developed as an alternative to the conventional carbon-based materials used in typical CDI systems. This advanced electrode achieves a 200% increase in ion storage capacity and a 20% improvement in storage rate compared to existing materials.
Conventional electrodes rely on electrostatic attraction to capture ions, making them dependent on costly ion exchange membranes to prevent ion re-adsorption. In contrast, the newly developed electrode stores and releases ions through direct electron exchange, allowing spontaneous desorption without external input. This innovation not only simplifies the system but also makes it more energy-efficient and cost-effective.
Toward a Multifunctional Energy-Recovering System
Existing electrochemical systems require external power for each regeneration cycle. During these cycles, sudden ion leakage can trigger overcurrent or reverse electrode polarity, rendering the stored energy unusable.
The Samsung–SKKU electrode design resolves these issues through spontaneous regeneration, eliminating the need for additional power. The process also allows energy recovery, meaning the system can generate and store power during water treatment and then supply that energy to other devices.
Tests showed that the system consumes just 76 Wh/kg, nearly half the energy of conventional electrochemical water treatment modules. This efficiency demonstrates the potential for widespread application—from industrial wastewater management to energy-efficient home systems.
Applications in Home Appliances and Sustainable Technologies
The implications of this research extend far beyond industrial applications. The new electrochemical water treatment module developed by Samsung and SKKU could serve as a multifunctional system capable of both purifying water and providing auxiliary power. It could be integrated into common household appliances that use water—such as washing machines, dishwashers, and water purifiers—to deliver cleaner water while supplying backup energy for operation.
This dual-functionality aligns with Samsung’s broader vision of developing smart, eco-conscious home solutions that reduce energy waste and environmental impact. The company envisions this technology playing a key role in the next generation of sustainable home and environmental systems, bridging the gap between energy and water management.
A Step Toward a Sustainable Future
Following the success of this study, Samsung plans to expand its collaboration with academic and industry partners to further advance this promising technology. By combining its engineering expertise with academic innovation, Samsung aims to develop core technologies for the future of environmental and energy solutions.
This partnership between Samsung Research and SKKU exemplifies the company’s commitment to addressing global sustainability challenges through scientific innovation. The electrochemical water treatment system represents not only a significant step forward in water purification efficiency but also a model for energy recovery and reuse that could transform how industries and consumers manage water and power.
As the demand for sustainable and energy-efficient technologies continues to rise, Samsung’s research marks an important milestone toward building a cleaner, more resilient world—where water treatment and energy generation coexist harmoniously to support a more sustainable tomorrow.
