Protocol for preparation of LiCl-based ultra-hygroscopic curdlan heat exchanger for dehumidification

Desiccant-coated heat exchangers provide a practical solution for the efficient removal of moisture from the air. Here, we present a protocol to synthesize an ultra-hygroscopic polymer to develop a LiCl loaded in curdlan hydrogel (LiCl@Cur)-coated heat exchanger for deep dehumidification. We describe steps for preparing the curdlan gel solution, hydrogel, LiCl solution, and LiCl@Cur. We then detail procedures for preparing curdlan-coated and LiCl@Cur-coated heat exchangers. The coated heat exchanger described in this protocol has a maximum dehumidification capacity of 12 g/kg. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Pan et al. (2023).¹.