Photothermal Surface Heating Membrane Distillation Using 3D-Printed Ti₃C₂T MXene-Based Nanocomposite Spacers

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Growing global freshwater demand necessitates utilizing nonpotable saline water.
• Solar membrane distillation offers a cost-effective, electricity-independent desalination alternative.
• Traditional membrane distillation relies on energy-intensive bulk feed heating.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a photothermal surface heating membrane distillation system.
• To utilize novel photothermal spacers made from Ti3C2Tx MXene nanocomposites.
• To reduce operating costs by eliminating external thermal energy input.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of functional spacers using three-dimensional (3D)-printing technology.
• Incorporation of two-dimensional Ti3C2Tx MXene nanofillers into the spacers.
• Utilizing solar illumination for localized photothermal conversion-driven heating near membrane surfaces.

Main Results:

• Achieved an average permeate flux of 0.49 kg·m-2·h-1 and energy conversion efficiency of 30.6%.
• Demonstrated superior photothermal heating response under sunlight.
• Observed enhanced photothermal efficiency and permeate flux with increased MXene content.

Conclusions:

• Validated the feasibility of 3D-printed photothermal spacers for high-performance, sustainable membrane distillation.
• Highlighted the potential for cost reduction in water production.
• Suggested further improvements through alternative photothermal nanofillers or spacer modifications.