A complete review of augmenting solar desalination efficiency with PCMs
R. Babu Ashok, T.G. Sakthivel
Abstract
• Solar desalination is eco-friendly and addresses global water scarcity challenges. • Phase change materials (PCMs) enhance efficiency, reliability, and energy sustainability. • Various PCMs like paraffin wax, nanomaterials, and jute fibers optimize solar stills. • The review highlights advancements and integration of PCMs in solar desalination systems. • Insights guide future research to improve effectiveness and durability of water technologies. This detailed review provides an in-depth analysis of strategies to enhance the performance of solar desalination technologies utilizing Phase Change Materials (PCMs). Solar desalination, widely recognized as an eco-friendly and sustainable technology, has gained significant attention in addressing the global water scarcity challenge. PCMs show great promise in optimizing the efficiency, reliability, and energy sustainability of solar-powered desalination systems. The review begins with a comprehensive overview of solar desalination technologies, highlighting their critical role in generating potable water from abundant and renewable solar energy sources. Various PCMs, such as pebble stones, nanomaterials, sand, jute fibers, paraffin wax, and carbon soot, have been studied, with significant technological advancements implemented to enhance the efficiency and functionality of solar still units. Systems incorporating PCMs exhibit remarkable improvements in productivity. Results underscore the performance enhancements achieved with materials such as silicon dioxide (31.42 %), aluminum oxide nanoparticles (53.10 %), paraffin wax (233.2 %), pebble stones (27.27 %), copper oxide (136 %), and combinations of sand, black granite, and gravel (81.2 %) compared to conventional solar stills. This review consolidates current knowledge on the integration of PCMs into solar desalination systems, providing valuable insights into the challenges, opportunities, and future directions for this emerging technology. The findings support ongoing efforts to improve the effectiveness and durability of solar desalination systems, increasing their potential to meet global water demands sustainably.