Interfacial solar steam generator based on reduced graphene oxide/polyurethane monolith for efficient seawater desalination
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Italian Association of Chemical Engineering
Abstract
Seawater desalination using renewable energy sources is a promising solution to combat global water scarcity. In this study, the development and performance of an interfacial solar steam generator (ISSG) based on a reduced graphene oxide/polyurethane (rGO/PU) monolith is reported. Graphene is a hexagonal lattice 2D structure of sp2 hybridized carbon atom. It has excellent properties such as high thermal conductivity and high specific surface area making it a suitable candidate for thermal desalination. Pristine graphite was oxidised following Tour`s method. The rGO/PU monolith was fabricated through a hydrothermal self-assembly process and characterized using Raman spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, FTIR, and BET. Under 1 sun illumination, the ISSG achieved an evaporation rate of 1.34 kg·m?²·h?¹ and a photothermal conversion efficiency of 93%. This porous device effectively addressed the issue of energy localization, heat management, anti-scaling, and salt rejection. Our results demonstrate that the rGO/PU-based ISSG is a promising solution for efficient seawater desalination, and upscaling is recommended for practical applications.
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Keywords
Seawater desalination, Renewable energy sources, Water scarcity, Interfacial solar steam generator (ISSG), Reduced graphene oxide/polyurethane (rGO/PU)
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG-06: Clean water and sanitation
SDG-12: Responsible consumption and production
SDG-12: Responsible consumption and production
Citation
Manoto B.A., Bezza F.A., Tichapondwa S.M., Chirwa E.M.N., 2025, Interfacial Solar Steam Generator Based on Reduced Graphene Oxide/polyurethane Monolith for Efficient Seawater Desalination, Chemical Engineering Transactions, 117, 757-762. https://doi.org/10.3303/CET25117127.