Electrochemical Redox Cells Capable of Desalination and Energy Storage: Addressing Challenges of the Water–Energy Nexus

Abstract

Lack of access to freshwater has become an urgent global challenge, and desalination offers a viable strategy to address the growing gap between global freshwater supply and demand. The development of desalination technologies that can store/release energy concurrently with desalination is particularly attractive, as these technologies have the potential to address challenges at the intersection of the water–energy nexus. In this Perspective, we will discuss three such types of electrochemical desalination cells that use redox reactions: desalination batteries, rocking chair desalination batteries, and desalination cells based on the use of redox couples in solution. The operating principles of each cell type are discussed, and their advantages and challenges are compared. By providing an overview of the exciting recent advancements in coupling electrochemical desalination and energy storage, this Perspective aims to motivate researchers to formulate effective approaches that can help to achieve more practical and efficient desalination in the near future.