Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have unveiled a pioneering approach to solar desalination that could significantly lower the energy required to treat saltwater. Led by Associate Professor Luat Vuong, the team is exploring the untapped potential of deep ultraviolet (UV) light—specifically around 200 nanometers—to separate salt from water without relying on heat.
Traditional desalination methods, such as reverse osmosis and thermal evaporation, are energy-intensive and often environmentally damaging. Vuong’s team discovered that deep UV light can disrupt the chemical bonds between salt and water, enabling evaporation without raising the liquid’s temperature—a process known as non-photothermal desalination.
Central to this innovation is the use of aluminum nitride, a durable ceramic material that forms a wick to enhance evaporation under UV exposure. Unlike conventional solar desalination systems that depend on heating materials, this method uses light interaction alone, making it more efficient and sustainable.
The researchers also hypothesize that photon upconversion—where lower-energy photons combine to form higher-energy ones—may be occurring, further boosting efficiency without generating excess heat.
This technique could reduce reliance on high-pressure systems and mitigate the environmental impact of brine waste. Beyond desalination, the technology may have applications in waste management, mineral recovery, and cooling systems.
While promising, the team acknowledges that further research is needed to scale the technology. Still, the findings mark a major step toward cleaner, more sustainable water treatment solutions.
(Source: Bio Engineer)