Ni-P-PTFE cathode with low surface energy for enhancing electrochemical water softening performance.

Efficient cathode regeneration is a significant challenge in the electrochemical water softening process. This work explores the use of an electroless plating Ni-P-PTFE electrode with low surface energy for this purpose. The Ni-P-PTFE electrode demonstrates improved self-cleaning performance at high current densities. By combining the low surface energy of the electrode with fluid flushing shear force, the precipitation rate on the Ni-P-PTFE electrode remains stable at approximately 18 g/m²·h over extended periods of operation. Additionally, the cleaning efficiency of the Ni-P-PTFE electrode surpasses that of stainless steel by 66.34%. The Ni-P-PTFE electrode can maintain a larger active area and a longer operational lifespan is attributed to its self-cleaning performance derived from low surface energy. Furthermore, the loose scale layers on the electrode surface are easily removed during electrochemical water softening processes, presenting a novel approach to cathode surface design.