(355m) Intensified Water Purification Via Carbon Dioxide-Mediated Diffusiophoresis

An increase in population and water scarcity in populated areas has increased the demand for more efficient ways to purify water. Diffusiophoresis is the migration of particles induced by a charge and concentration gradient. Colloids in waters migrate in response to the presence of the gradients. A rigorous reaction engineering analysis and computation fluid mechanics model were developed to demonstrate the ability of CO2 to form gradients and be recovered in a nearly closed loop separation system. Bench scale experiments were performed and demonstrate the ability to remove colloidal and particulate matter from lab grade water. A recycle design concept is proposed and validated for CO2 reuse and nearly closed loop operation.