Chinese Scientists Set Record for Desalination Using Solar Energy Evaporation
According to the South China Morning Post, this “green and efficient” method can filter an unprecedented amount of water each day. The research team has achieved the ability to filter approximately 22 liters of water per square meter per day—sufficient for 10 adults and significantly more effective than other solar desalination methods. The study was recently published in a paper in the journal Nature.
This steam method is clean and produces no carbon emissions. (Photo: Shutterstock).
Specifically, scientists utilized a new type of metal titanium powder with high solar energy absorption capabilities, mixing it with other materials to create a water evaporation process through a cylindrical device. This cylindrical evaporator is designed to minimize energy loss compared to flat devices and can reach an evaporation rate of 6.09 kg/hour.
Mr. Yang Bo, the lead author of the study and an associate professor at Northeastern University in Liaoning province, told Science Times on September 26 that the new method has set a “world record” for evaporation speed.
Traditional desalination methods use reverse osmosis processes to separate salt from water. To accomplish this, water is pushed through small membranes under pressure, separating water from other components. This is an energy-intensive process. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 25 to 40% of the costs associated with seawater desalination come from the energy required to run pumps that create osmotic pressure.
In contrast, the new solar energy evaporation method uses an evaporation device that absorbs heat, turning water into vapor while leaving salt behind. The vapor then moves to a cooler collection space, condensing into pure water.
Mr. Yang told Science Times that this steam method is clean, efficient, and produces no carbon emissions since it relies solely on sunlight rather than pressure for desalination.
According to Science Times, Mr. Yang noted that this research has created “a new direction” for seawater desalination processes, which can effectively address water scarcity while also saving energy.
The article mentions that due to its expanded surface area, the cylindrical evaporating device can prevent salt blockage. This is essential for improving the performance of the solar steam system.
Scientists also added that this process not only provides a more sustainable method for desalinating seawater but could also extend to fuel production, steam sterilization, and electricity generation.
