Peer-Reviewed Paper Explores Nanomaterial Porous Absorbers for Desalting

Solar stills are simple devices that purify saltwater. However, some high technology can improve their performance. 

ACEP's David Denkenberger, among other co-authors, recently had a peer-reviewed article accepted in the top journal Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. The paper, “Capillary flow-driven efficient nanomaterials for seawater desalination: Review of classifications, challenges, and future perspectives” provides a comprehensive review over 150 articles in the field.

Porous absorbers transform sunlight into heat and also wick water upward through capillary action. These absorbers float on the water surface. The absorption can be enhanced by doping with nanoparticles. 

For more information on these papers and research areas, contact Denkenberger at ddenkenberger@alaska.edu.  

 

Image of a solar still taken from the paper.