A capacitive deionization (CDI) device using carbon aerogel electrodes was tested to determine the effects of applied voltage, flow ratre, and pH on ion sorption and desorption. Testing was conducted using deionized water supplemented with 250 mg/L NaC1. Better sorption capacity onto the carbon aerogel material was achieved at higher applied voltages (2.0 V). The limiting voltage was not determined in the study. Increased sorption efficiency was observed using slower flow rates (50 mL/min versus 100 and 150 mL/min). The pH of the source water had no effect on sorption, but high pH did adversely affect desorption. No interactive effects among the test variables were observed during this study. Carbon aerogel CDI may provide an alternative salinity reduction technology in the future. Includes 13 references, tables, figures.