A research team has discovered a method to enhance the efficiency of desorption in water-adsorption polymers, which are utilized in atmospheric water harvesting and desiccant air conditioning.
Extracting water from the atmosphere and reducing humidity are essential for a more comfortable existence for everyone. Water-adsorption polymers play a significant role in atmospheric water harvesting and in cooling systems that use desiccants. However, the process of desorption, which allows for efficient reuse of these polymers, has been challenging. Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have now developed a method to improve the desorption efficiency of these polymers.
Traditionally, a temperature of about 100°C is needed to desorb these polymers. However, a team consisting of Graduate School of Engineering student Daisuke Ikegawa, Assistant Professor Arisa Fukatsu, Associate Professor Kenji Okada, and Professor Masahide Takahashi has created a liquid moisture adsorbent that requires only around 35°C for desorption.
This advancement was achieved by utilizing random copolymers of polyethylene glycol, which has a strong affinity for water, and polypropylene glycol, which has a slightly lower affinity. The variation in their water-attracting properties established a transfer mechanism that disrupted the water clusters, facilitating easier release of water.
“This innovation could be valuable not just for providing water in dry areas and regions with limited energy, but also for ensuring water access during disasters and emergencies,” stated Dr. Fukatsu.
“Enhancing this technology is likely to result in lower greenhouse gas emissions and a more efficient use of water resources,” emphasized Professor Takahashi. “Moving forward, our goal is to refine the liquid moisture adsorbent and enhance the overall efficiency of the system to make it applicable in real-world scenarios.”
