Development of Ag/rGO-based conductive concrete for enhanced capacitive deionization performance

This study explores the development of conductive concrete incorporating silver–reduced graphene oxide (Ag/rGO) nanocomposites for application in capacitive deionization (CDI). The material exhibits dual functionality: (i) enhanced electrochemical performance, where the high conductivity facilitates ion transport and electrosorption in CDI systems, and (ii) antimicrobial activity from silver nanoparticles, which can inhibit microbial growth on concrete surfaces and potentially extend service life in water treatment environments. Conductive concrete was fabricated by integrating 2 wt% Ag/rGO into a cementitious matrix to improve electrical conductivity. Electrical performance was assessed over curing periods of 7, 14, and 28 days, revealing a notable increase in conductivity with the inclusion of Ag/rGO, particularly in the 2 % samples compared to conventional concrete. The CDI performance of the composite electrode was evaluated by monitoring the reduction of total dissolved solids (TDS) in saline water under various applied voltages, showing enhanced salt removal rates and stable performance during repeated operation. These findings underscore the potential of Ag/rGO-enhanced conductive concrete as a cost-effective, multifunctional material for sustainable water treatment applications.