Research Interests
Ultrapure water production is required for sustainable and efficient generation of green hydrogen through the process of electrolysis. Currently, the prevalent industrial methods for producing ultrapure water, such as reverse osmosis (RO), are characterized by their high energy demands, posing economic and environmental challenges. This study introduces a novel, facile, and highly promising approach for generating high-purity water directly from simulated seawater. Our innovative method utilizes membrane distillation (MD), a separation process distinguished by its remarkably low capital cost and significantly reduced energy consumption, as it ingeniously harnesses the otherwise wasted heat energy emitted from photovoltaic (PV) panels. This research builds upon a foundation of previous modeling simulations, which were instrumental in optimizing the design parameters for a multilayered MD system. These comprehensive modeling efforts provided a pathway that guided the construction of various prototype devices. Different materials were carefully selected and tested to ensure optimal performance and durability, ultimately enabling the development of robust, field-testable units. The most efficient PV-MD device, engineered with evaporation and condensation regions constructed from durable steel sheets and incorporating advanced polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes, has demonstrated excellent and consistent performance. This integrated system is capable of reliably yielding high-purity water with conductivity levels consistently below 145 μS, coupled with impressive flux rates exceeding 100 g/m2h. Such performance characteristics are well within the stringent purity requirements for typical electrolyzer applications, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of the hydrogen production process. This pioneering work not only underscores a highly promising, energy-efficient, and cost-effective pathway for sustainable ultrapure water generation but also represents a significant step forward in facilitating the widespread adoption of green hydrogen technologies.