Enhanced solar evaporation using a photo-thermal umbrella for wastewater management
Date Published |
01/2020
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Publication Type | Journal Article
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Authors | |
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DOI |
10.1038/s41893-019-0445-5
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Abstract |
Zero-liquid discharge is an emerging wastewater management strategy that maximizes water recovery for reuse and produces a solid waste, thereby lowering the environmental impact of wastewater disposal. Evaporation ponds harvest solar energy as heat for zero-liquid discharge, but require large land areas due to low evaporation rates. Here, we demonstrate a passive and non-contact approach to enhance evaporation by more than 100% using a photo-thermal device that converts sunlight into mid-infrared radiation where water is strongly absorbing. As a result, heat is localized at the water’s surface through radiative coupling, resulting in better utilization of solar energy with a conversion efficiency of 43%. The non-contact nature of the device makes it uniquely suited to treat a wide range of wastewater without contamination, and the use of commercial materials enables a potentially low-cost and highly scalable technology for sustainable wastewater management, with the added benefit of salt recovery. |
Journal |
Nature Sustainability
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Volume |
3
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Year of Publication |
2020
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Issue |
2
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Pagination |
144 - 151
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Short Title |
Nat Sustain
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Refereed Designation |
Refereed
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Organizations | |
Research Areas | |
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