Self-pumped evaporation for ultra-fast water desalination and power generation. (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Ji; Gao, Shan; Long, Rui; Liu, Wei; Liu, Zhichun
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 65(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: Desalination -- New energy -- Low-grade heat -- Water pump -- Molecular dynamics; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2019.104059
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: Getting fresh water and electricity by utilizing low-grade thermal energy are attractive to deal with the global resource crisis. Here, a self-pumped evaporation regime based on charged carbon nanotubes membrane is reported, which can purify water and output power efficiently with thermal energy supplied. Using molecular dynamics simulations, ultra-high desalination rates of 3.6 ± 0.5 g/(cm 2 s) and power generation rates of 170 ± 24 W/cm 2 were gotten with temperature difference of 40 K. The causes of the super rates include high pump capacity, low thermal resistance, and low irreversibility. This study shows a promising approach to desalinate water and generate power efficiently by consuming low-grade heat. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: A new water desalination and power generation system based on self-pumped evaporation in nano pores is reported. Ultra-high desalination rates of 3.6 g/(cm 2 s) and power generation rates of 170 W/cm 2 were gotten by simulation. Relative efficiency of 40.4% was gotten by simulation, and more than 90% relative efficiency is proved by analysis.