Iranian Researchers Achieve 93% Efficiency in Solar-Powered Desalination Using Nanotechnology
According to the Economic Desk of Webangah News Agency, researchers at Isfahan University of Technology have revolutionized solar desalination by creating nano-engineered membranes that achieve over 93% efficiency. The breakthrough involves modifying polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes with carbon nanoparticles, creating a porous, rough surface that effectively absorbs sunlight while enhancing water transport and membrane durability.
The team employed electrospinning and casting techniques to develop membranes with optimized surface structures. These nano-enhanced membranes demonstrate dual functionality: improved light absorption and heat conversion, plus the formation of localized thermal conductive networks that facilitate evaporation. Tests showed membranes with 306.7 nm surface roughness and 32.6% porosity achieved peak efficiency of 93.5%, significantly outperforming conventional membranes.
A key innovation involves low-pressure plasma treatment with perfluorooctyl acrylate monomers, creating omniphobic surfaces that resist wetting and maintain performance even when exposed to surfactant solutions. The membranes maintained full efficiency for 540 minutes in 0.6 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate solutions, demonstrating exceptional operational stability.
The research highlights how nanotechnology and surface engineering can overcome traditional membrane limitations in photothermal vacuum membrane distillation (PVMD) systems. The developed membranes achieve a permeate flux of 2.85 kg/m²/h while maintaining long-term durability, making them suitable for both small-scale and industrial desalination units, particularly in areas with limited sunlight or high contaminant levels.
This project represents a successful convergence of polymer engineering, nanotechnology, and renewable energy applications, potentially transforming sustainable water production through solar-powered desalination.
