Chinese Researchers Develop Solar-Powered Technology to Convert Seawater into Freshwater
Chinese researchers have developed a solar-powered desalination technology capable of converting seawater into freshwater using only sunlight, eliminating the need for grid electricity.
The prototype uses a specially engineered three-dimensional porous material embedded with nanoparticles that absorbs 90.2 per cent of solar energy. According to the researchers, the innovation reduces the energy required to evaporate seawater by 45.7 per cent compared with conventional desalination methods.
The research team said that after approximately two years of operation, the system could produce freshwater at a cost lower than bottled water, making it a potentially affordable solution for water-scarce communities.
During a year-long outdoor trial powered entirely by sunlight, the prototype generated enough freshwater to irrigate about five square metres of farmland, demonstrating its potential for agricultural use.
Although the technology remains at the prototype stage, researchers believe it could play a significant role in addressing global water shortages by providing a low-cost and renewable approach to seawater desalination.
Chinese Researchers Develop Solar-Powered Technology to Convert Seawater into Freshwater