Post by account_disabled on Jan 28, 2024 7:11:31 GMT
Researchers from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – BarcelonaTech (UPC) have developed a thermosensitive hydrogel with multiple applications, including the desalination of seawater with solar radiation and the creation of biomedical adhesives for semi-invasive therapies and medical diagnosis. This advance arises in response to the growing problem of drought, with UN estimates predicting that three out of every four people in the world will be affected by it in 2050. The key to the 'TherGel' project lies in the development of a conductive thermosensitive hydrogel known as 'solar absorbing hydrogel' (SAH).
This material has the ability to absorb large Buy Phone Number List amounts of water depending on the temperature to which it is exposed, expelling it free of salts and contaminants when heated above 32ºC. This hydrogel, combined with a conductive polymer, acts as a photothermal absorber that enhances the water expulsion capacity, generating drinking water. Researcher Elaine Armelin points out that this material can be used in water filtration systems and her objective is to develop a self-purification prototype that works without the need for electrical energy or pressure equipment, using only solar energy. As the hydrogel absorbs water, it evaporates due to the action of sunlight. With added conductive polymer nanoparticles, greater absorption of solar radiation and more efficient evaporation are achieved.
The system has obtained promising results, with an evaporation rate of approximately 3.5-4.5 kg/square meter per hour, which would mean generating around 80-100 kg/square meter of clean water in 24 hours. In addition, hydrogel can be made at home with a specific kit and can be reused or recycled at home. Its potential as an alternative material in capacitive desalination cells (CDI) is also highlighted, increasing the flow rate of purified water generation. This innovative thermosensitive hydrogel provides an effective and low-cost solution for the purification and desalination of seawater, taking advantage of a natural resource such as solar radiation. Furthermore, its versatility as a biomedical adhesive expands its applications in semi-invasive therapies and medical diagnosis, presenting a comprehensive approach to address current and future problems related to water.
This material has the ability to absorb large Buy Phone Number List amounts of water depending on the temperature to which it is exposed, expelling it free of salts and contaminants when heated above 32ºC. This hydrogel, combined with a conductive polymer, acts as a photothermal absorber that enhances the water expulsion capacity, generating drinking water. Researcher Elaine Armelin points out that this material can be used in water filtration systems and her objective is to develop a self-purification prototype that works without the need for electrical energy or pressure equipment, using only solar energy. As the hydrogel absorbs water, it evaporates due to the action of sunlight. With added conductive polymer nanoparticles, greater absorption of solar radiation and more efficient evaporation are achieved.
The system has obtained promising results, with an evaporation rate of approximately 3.5-4.5 kg/square meter per hour, which would mean generating around 80-100 kg/square meter of clean water in 24 hours. In addition, hydrogel can be made at home with a specific kit and can be reused or recycled at home. Its potential as an alternative material in capacitive desalination cells (CDI) is also highlighted, increasing the flow rate of purified water generation. This innovative thermosensitive hydrogel provides an effective and low-cost solution for the purification and desalination of seawater, taking advantage of a natural resource such as solar radiation. Furthermore, its versatility as a biomedical adhesive expands its applications in semi-invasive therapies and medical diagnosis, presenting a comprehensive approach to address current and future problems related to water.