Used tires are repurposed into solar devices to purify water for consumption.

In a world where clean drinking water is accessible in all locations, even the most remote ones.

Thanks to innovative research from Canadian scientists, this vision is becoming a reality.

Scientists at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, have created a revolutionary device for water desalination, providing hope to millions facing water scarcity globally.

The power of plasmonic solar stills

A solar still is the core of this innovation, which uses the sun's energy to cleanse seawater.

Refractory plasmonic nanomaterials are highly effective at absorbing light and converting it into heat, according to Dr. Mita Dasog, an associate professor of chemistry and Killam Memorial chair at Dalhousie.

The solar still, developed by Dr. Matthew Margeson during his Ph.D. research, addresses longstanding challenges faced by similar devices. It minimizes thermal losses, prevents salt buildup, and can withstand harsh maritime conditions.

How it works

The floating solar still purifies water using a simple yet highly effective process. Water is drawn up to the device's foam surface through a wicking system, then evaporated by solar-heated plasmonic materials. The salt is left behind, and the vapor recondenses on a clear plastic dome. The purified water is then funneled down the sides of the dome and collected in a sealed bag for easy access.

Passive floating solar stills in Halifax Harbour yielded up to 0.97 gallons of clean water daily, breaking the record for such devices.

Upcycling for sustainability

This device stands out due to its unconventional material usage. Instead of using expensive precious metals, the team opted for a surprising source: used tires. Through a process called pyrolysis, carbon waste from tires is converted into a vital component of the desalination unit.

Dr. Dasog stresses the significance of simplicity: "The device should be inexpensive and uncomplicated. It must be easy to produce, endure for a prolonged period, and disassemble and relocate effortlessly." This strategy not only reduces the cost of the technology but also tackles the environmental problem of tire waste.

Affordable water purification and energy generation in one device

The device has the ability to purify water, desalinate, disinfect, and decontaminate it at a low cost of less than one cent per liter. Additionally, it can generate thermoelectricity, which can power onboard water quality sensors.

Looking ahead

The team plans to conduct more testing in South Asia to make the device accessible globally. Dasog, who is up for the Emerging Leader award at the Water Canada Summit, sees the device as a vital resource for communities affected by conflict or climate change.

Kurt’s key takeaways

The plasmonic solar still, developed by researchers at Dalhousie University, offers a promising solution to the growing challenges of water security by purifying water using sustainable materials and renewable energy sources.

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