Russian scientists from the National Research University 'MPEI' have developed a groundbreaking desalination technology that utilizes graphene nanoparticles to enhance water evaporation rates by up to 95% without additional energy costs. This innovative approach could revolutionize water desalination and purification processes, as reported by the Russian Science Foundation (RSF). The findings were published in the journal Solar Energy.
Graphene, a nanomaterial with exceptional heat conductivity and a large surface area, was incorporated into distilled water to create a nanofluid. The researchers conducted experiments using various light wavelengths, discovering that green and near-infrared light significantly increased the temperature of the graphene-doped water, thereby accelerating evaporation rates. Under sunlight, the graphene-enhanced water evaporated 68-95% faster than regular distilled water, showcasing its potential for practical applications in desalination and solar energy systems.
The next step for the researchers is to stabilize the graphene nanofluid to prevent the particles from settling at the bottom of the container. Inna Mikhailova, an associate professor at MPEI, emphasized the potential of this technology to address various challenges in solar energy and traditional heating systems.
