Nanjing team develops graphene oxide-based solar desalination system

Researchers from the Chinese Nanjing University have reportedly developed a graphene oxide-based solar desalination system that does not require a solar concentrator or thermal insulation. Featuring a confined 2D water channel, the system is able to achieve high levels of solar absorption and effective desalination.

The research team stated that it used a graphene oxide film as the basis for a device. The graphene oxide film is said to be foldable and produced using a scalable process. With this at the core of the system, the researchers believe that the development represents "a concrete step for solar desalination to emerge as a complementary portable and personalized clean water solution".

The device is reported by the researchers to be relatively inexpensive, effective and 80% efficient, but has yet to be tested in real environmental conditions.

Posted: Dec 05,2016 by Roni Peleg