Design and Evaluation of a Scalable Shock Wave Electrodialysis with Multi-Cell Stack for Efficient Desalination

Shock Wave Electrodialysis (SWED) is an innovative separation technology that integrates microfluidic principles into electrodialysis stacks, pioneered by MIT’s Bazant Research Group. By operating under over-limiting current conditions, SWED enhances ion separation through the formation of shock waves in charged porous media. While previous studies have focused on small, single-cell devices, scaling SWED for industrial use requires the development of multi-cell stacks. In this study, we present the first scalable SWED device with multiple cell pairs, designed for desalination. The system features an active membrane area of 4000 mm² and a flow rate of 2.5 mL/min—offering over ten times the capacity of earlier models. Experimental results show continuous salt rejection exceeding 90%. Energy consumption is about 46 kWh/m³ depending on operating conditions and stack design. We also explore strategies to optimize the trade-off between separation efficiency and energy use, based on data from performance, water recovery, and energy metrics. This work represents a significant step toward realizing SWED as a practical, energy-efficient solution for large-scale water treatment and resource recovery.