The Role of Photothermal Nanocomposites in Next-Generation Membrane Distillation Technologies: A Review

Document Type : Review Article

Author

Suez

Abstract

Communities worldwide face significant challenges pertaining to the scarcity of clean water sources and water pollution, necessitating the exploration of effective solutions such as desalination technologies. In recent years, conventional membrane distillation (MD) processes have undergone substantial advancements, particularly through the diversification of system designs and improvements in polymeric membrane properties. In this context, one interesting method is photothermal membrane distillation (PMD). that harnesses renewable light energy to enhance desalination efficiency. One of the most significant developments in this field is the integration of nanomaterials and carbon-based materials with photothermal properties into commonly used polymeric membranes, including PTFE, PP, PVDF, and PSF. This integration aims to improve thermal performance, increase water production efficiency, and reduce energy consumption. These modifications have demonstrated remarkable success in boosting productivity and directly utilizing solar energy as a sustainable power source. With continued advancements, PMD technology is anticipated to perform a crucial role in providing clean water to areas without access to conventional sources of energy, making it a promising solution for future desalination strategies.

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