WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A non-gas-emitting electrode for use in generation of electric fields within electrodialysis and electrodeionization systems, the electrode comprising an Electric Double Layer Capacitor (EDLC) electrode infused with silver or silver chloride, wherein the electrode has the properties of a supercapacitor electrode with the reversibility of a pseudocapacitor electrode for generating an electric field for extensive periods of time without generation of gases, and without the occurrence of water splitting electrode reactions.

2. The non-gas-emitting electrode of claim 1, wherein a pair of the non-gas-emitting electrodes are included in an apparatus for desalinating and deionizing a feed solution, wherein a first of the electrode pair is infused with silver and a second of the electrode pair is infused with silver chloride.

3. The non-gas-emitting electrode of claim 1, wherein the electrode comprises porous carbon materials including three-dimensional porous networks having a high specific surface area.

4. The non-gas-emitting electrode of claim 2, wherein the electrode material is selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, carbon aerogel and a carbon aerogel composite.

5. The non-gas-emitting electrode of claim 1, wherein the electrode is a carbon aerogel electrode having a substantial amount of its porous volume infused with silver or silver chloride.

6. The non-gas-emitting electrode of claim 5, wherein a pair of the non-gas-emitting electrodes are manufactured for inclusion in an apparatus for desalinating and deionizing a feed solution, wherein a first electrode of the electrode pair is infused with silver and a second electrode of the electrode pair is infused with silver chloride.

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AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) The non-gas-emitting electrode of claim 6, wherein the infusion of silver within the first electrode comprises the electrolysis of silver nitrate with the first electrode acting as the cathode, and using a silver, titanium, carbon or graphite anode. The non-gas-emitting electrode of claim 6, wherein the infusion of silver within the first electrode comprises the steps of: a) soaking the first electrode in a silver nitrate solution to saturate and infuse the first electrode with silver nitrate; b) rinsing the first electrode with water; c) drying the first electrode; and d) heating the first electrode to above the decomposition temperature of silver nitrate to break down the infused silver nitrate into elemental silver and nitrogen dioxide and oxygen gases, leaving a finely dispersed deposit of silver within the structure of the first electrode. The non-gas-emitting electrode of claim 6, wherein the infusion of silver nitrate within the second electrode comprises the steps of: a) soaking the second electrode in a silver nitrate solution to saturate and infuse the second electrode with silver nitrate; b) rinsing the second electrode with water; c) drying the second electrode; and d) submerging the second electrode in a high concentration solution of sodium chloride, resulting in the precipitation of silver chloride within the structure of the second electrode.

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AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) The non-gas-emitting electrode of claim 6, wherein the apparatus comprises: a) a plurality of spaced apart ion exchange membranes arranged adjacent to one another with spacers in between forming a stack, each of the plurality of ion exchange membranes creating a concentrate compartment on one side and a dilute compartment on the other side when the apparatus is filled with a feed solution and acted upon by a direct current passing therethrough; b) the first electrode of the electrode pair housed in a first endplate positioned on one side of the stack; c) the second electrode of the electrode pair housed in a second endplate positioned on the other side of the stack; d) a first end spacer positioned between the first endplate and the first ion exchange membrane; e) a second end spacer positioned between the second endplate and the last ion exchange membrane, wherein the stack is arranged between the first and second endplates; f) a frame for compressing and sealing together the first endplate, the second endplate, and the stack of ion exchange membranes; g) a plurality of input and output passages leading into and out of the end plates and each compartment; and h) a direct current electric power supply capable of polarity reversal for charging and establishing a potential difference between the first electrode of the electrode pair and the second electrode of the electrode pair to cause the passage of electric current through the feed solution. The non-gas-emitting electrode_of claim 10, wherein the feed solution is selected from the group consisting of seawater, wastewater, brackish water, and hard water.

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AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)