Imagine a world where clean drinking water is easily available even in the most remote areas.
This vision is becoming a reality thanks to innovative research by scientists from Canada.
A team of scientists from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, developed it revolutionary device which could revolutionize water desalination, offering hope to millions facing water shortages around the world.
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Floating solar process (Dalhousie University)
The power of plasmonic solar photos
At the heart of this innovation is the floating solar still, a device that uses solar energy for purifying sea water.
dr. Mita Dasog, associate professor of chemistry and the Killam Memorial Chair at Dalhousie, explains the science behind it: “Refractory plasmonic nanomaterials are very good at capturing light and turning that light into heat.”
This principle forms the basis of their ingenious design. Solar distiller, designed by dr. Matthew Margeson during his Ph.D. study, addresses challenges that have plagued similar devices for a long time. It minimizes heat loss, prevents salt build-up and can withstand harsh marine conditions.
The researcher in the photo next to the floating solar device (Matthew J. Margeson)
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How it works
Floating solar still works through an elegantly simple yet highly effective process. First, ocean water it is drawn to the foam surface of the device through the absorption system. Once the water reaches the surface, it vaporizes the solar-heated plasmonic material. As the water vapor rises, the salt is left behind, ensuring that only purified water is collected. The vapor is then re-condensed on a clear plastic dome that sits above the device. Finally, the purified water is poured down the sides of the dome and collected in a sealed bag for easy access.
The results of this process are impressive. In real-world tests conducted in Halifax Harbour, the device produced up to 0.97 gallons of pure water per day, a record yield for passive floating solar stills.
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Floating solar process (Dalhousie University)
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Upcycling for sustainability
What sets this device apart is the use of unconventional materials. Instead of relying on expensive precious metals, the team turned to an unlikely source: used tires. Through a process called pyrolysis, carbon waste from tires is converted into a key component of the desalination unit.
dr. Dasog emphasizes the importance of accessibility: “We shouldn’t make an expensive or very complicated device. It has to be easy to manufacture, long-lasting and easy to disassemble and move.” This approach not only makes the technology more affordable, but also addresses the environmental problem of tire waste.
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Floating solar process (Dalhousie University)
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Affordable water purification and energy production in one device
The capabilities of the device go beyond water purification. It can simultaneously desalinate, disinfect and decontaminate water at an extremely low cost: less than one cent per liter. It can also generate a small amount of thermoelectricity, potentially powering embedded water quality sensors.
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Looking ahead
The team’s next step is to conduct further testing in South Asia, with the ultimate goal of making the device available worldwide. Dasog, nominated for the Emerging Leader Award at the Water Canada Summit, envisions the device as a lifeline for communities displaced by war or climate change.
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As we grapple with the growing challenges of water security, innovations like plasmonic solar still offer a glimmer of hope. By combining cutting-edge science with sustainable materials, Dalhousie University researchers are doing more than just purifying water; they are paving the way for a future that is both just and resourceful. This device not only makes clean drinking water available, but also highlights how we can use renewable energy sources to solve pressing global problems.
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