Experimental analysis of solar desalination system performance with graphene and graphitic carbon nanopaint-coated solar absorbers

• Published in: Desalination Vol. 592; p. 118141
• Main Authors: Mariraja, R., Harichandran, R., Vijayakumar, R., Nichelson, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 21.12.2024
• Subjects: Absorber coating; Absorber surface analysis; Energy and exergy efficiency; Graphene nanopaint; Graphitic carbon nanoparticles based nano paint; Solar still; Graphene nanopaint; Solar still; Graphitic carbon nanoparticles based nano paint; Absorber surface analysis; Energy and exergy efficiency; Absorber coating
• ISSN: 0011-9164
• DOI: 10.1016/j.desal.2024.118141

Improving the efficiency of basin-type solar stills is crucial for ensuring reliable access to clean water in areas facing water scarcity. One effective way to increase water yield production is by applying various coatings to the solar still's absorber plate. Using nanocoatings on solar absorber plates increases solar radiation absorptivity and minimizes reflectivity, which helps improve water production. In this proposed work, Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs)-based nano paint, graphitic carbon nanoparticles (GCNPs)-dispersed black paint, and conventional black paint were applied to the solar still's absorber plate. According to the study, the GNPs' nano paint resulted in a cumulative solar still productivity that was 48.23 % higher than the GCNPs-dispersed black paint and 10.28 % higher than the conventional black paint. It also revealed that the energy efficiency of solar stills with GCNPs and GNPs nano paint-coated absorbers was 56.96 % and 69.77 %, respectively, while the traditional black paint-coated absorber managed only 39.42 %. The calculated exergy efficiency of these three solar stills was 8.55 % for the conventional black paint, 13.93 % for the GCNPs, and 22.93 % for the GNPs nano paint-coated absorber. This proposed system also has an energy payback period of 1.79 years and contributes to achieving a carbon credit of $994.90 through the market. The cost of distilled water in this system is also 0.016$/L. [Display omitted] •GNP was synthesized using a wet chemical process, while GCNP paint was prepared using a mechano-chemical process.•GNP and GCNP paint were coated on the absorber plate, shows better solar absorption behaviour.•Studied the impact of GNP and GCNP paint on solar still performance.•GNP paint-coated absorbers improved fresh water yield by 48.23 % compared to CSS.•GNP paint coated absorber plate solar still shows maximum energy and exergy efficiency of 69.77 % and 22.93 %, respectively.