Synopsis
IIT Bombay's scientists have developed a new graphene-based evaporator that mimics lotus leaves to enhance desalination processes. This innovative material, designed to operate under varying conditions, promises to alleviate freshwater scarcity and improve industrial wastewater treatment.Key Takeaways
- Development of a novel hydrophobic material for desalination.
- Integration of solar and Joule heating ensures consistent performance.
- Superhydrophobic properties prevent salt adhesion, enhancing efficiency.
- Low carbon footprint and cost-effectiveness make it sustainable.
- Potential applications in large-scale desalination and wastewater treatment.
New Delhi, April 16 (NationPress) Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have innovated a novel hydrophobic graphene-based material aimed at mitigating the freshwater crisis.
Freshwater scarcity poses a serious challenge globally and is projected to worsen in the near future.
Although water covers a significant portion of the Earth’s surface, a mere 3 percent constitutes freshwater, with less than 0.05 percent being readily available.
Desalinating seawater and brackish water presents a viable solution; however, this process is particularly challenging in landlocked areas.
The team, led by Prof. Swatantra Pratap Singh, has introduced the Dual-Sided Superhydrophobic Laser-Induced Graphene (DSLIG) evaporator.
The DSLIG evaporator can harness both solar energy and electricity (via Joule heating) for heating.
By integrating solar and electric heating, the material remains resilient against variations in sunlight availability.
In low or no sunlight conditions, electricity can effectively heat the evaporator, ensuring consistent operational temperatures.
Furthermore, the DSLIG exhibits superhydrophobic properties, enabling it to repel water similar to the natural design of lotus leaves.
This superhydrophobic quality minimizes the contact area between water droplets and the surface, allowing the droplets to roll off rather than adhere.
In desalination processes, the superhydrophobic nature of DSLIG aids in preventing salt from adhering to the evaporator surface, thus preserving efficiency over extended periods.
“Our primary objective was to develop a superhydrophobic surface that mimics the lotus effect and can operate with both solar and Joule heating,” stated Prof. Singh.
The researchers manufactured DSLIG by applying a layer of a polymer known as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) on one side of a thin layer of another polymer, poly(ether sulfone) (PES).
They then engraved graphene onto the PVDF side using laser engraving techniques.
Laboratory evaluations reveal that DSLIG mirrors lotus leaf-like behavior and effectively inhibits salt deposition. It demonstrated impressive efficiency in desalinating both under electric and solar heating, as well as in treating highly concentrated salt solutions.
DSLIG boasts a low carbon footprint, minimal toxicity, and cost-effectiveness, making it a promising candidate for large-scale sustainable desalination and industrial wastewater treatment.
