해수 담수화는 해수 또는 염분이 섞인 지하수에서 용해된 염분과 미네랄을 제거하여 식수 또는 관개용수로 사용할 수 있는 담수를 생산하는 산업 및 공학 분야입니다. 현재 중동, 북아프리카, 아시아 연안 지역, 그리고 점차 남유럽과 아메리카 대륙의 물 부족 지역에서 1억 명이 넘는 사람들에게 담수를 공급하고 있습니다.
뒤집다 삼투 역삼투압(RO)은 현재 설치 용량의 대부분을 차지하며, 높은 염도의 원수를 처리하고 있습니다. 압력 선택성, 오염 저항성 및 붕소 제거율이 활발한 재료 과학 연구 분야로 남아 있는 박막 복합 폴리아미드 멤브레인 전반에 걸쳐, 다단 플래시 증류 및 다단식 증류와 같은 열 공정은 발전 폐열을 무상 에너지 투입물로 활용할 수 있는 경우 여전히 중요합니다. 이 분야의 핵심적인 엔지니어링 제약 조건은 비에너지 소비량입니다. 압력 교환기 기반 에너지 회수 기능을 갖춘 최첨단 역삼투(RO) 설비는 이제 특정 에너지 소비량에 근접하고 있습니다. 열역학적 해수 담수화의 최소 요구 사항은 막 수명, 취수 설계 및 염수 농축액 관리 측면에서 경쟁 우위를 확보하는 방향으로 전환되며, 배출수의 독성과 해양 오염 문제가 중요해집니다. 생태계 그 영향으로 인해 규제 당국의 감시가 강화되고 있습니다.
새로운 공정 아키텍처 — 정삼투, 막 증류, 용량성 탈염 및 그래핀 산화물 또는 아쿠아포린 기반 멤브레인은 기존 역삼투압(RO) 방식의 경제성이 떨어지는 특정 원수 화학 성분이나 독립형 재생 에너지 시스템 구성에 적합합니다.
아래에 색인된 논문과 특허는 막 합성 및 모듈 엔지니어링부터 시스템 열역학, 염수 활용, 재생 에너지 연계, 그리고 발전소 생존 가능성을 좌우하는 수문지질학적 부지 평가에 이르기까지 이 모든 영역을 포괄합니다.
본 자료는 역삼투압, 담수화, 해수 담수화, 염수 담수화, RO 멤브레인 오염, 박막 복합 멤브레인, RO 에너지 회수 장치, 압력 교환기 담수화, 다단식 플래시 증류, 다단식 증류, 전기투석 담수화, 정삼투압, 멤브레인 증류, 용량성 탈이온화, 담수화 폐수 처리, 폐수 농축액 관리, 태양열 RO, 풍력 담수화, 원자력 담수화, 담수화 에너지 소비, RO 비에너지 소비, 붕소 제거 RO 멤브레인 및 RO 투과수 회수율 등 다양한 주제로 분류 및 집중적으로 발표된 전 세계 영문 논문 및 특허를 엄선하여 정리한 것입니다.
Evaporator for solar-driven desalination, method for manufacturing the same, and hybrid desalination system including the same
Patent published on the 2026-06-11 in US under Ref US20260158406 by UIF UNIV INDUSTRY FOUNDATION YONSEI UNIV [KR] (Jang Jieun [kr], Kim Jeonghun [kr], Kim Junghwan [kr], Kim Sunwoo [kr])
Abstract: The present invention relates to an evaporator for solar-driven desalination, a method for manufacturing the same, and a hybrid desalination system including the same. More specifically, the evaporator for solar-driven desalination of the present invention includes commercially available and cost-effective carbon nanotubes, cellulose nanofibers, and agarose, and by mixing them at an optimized ratio to prepare an aerogel and applying it as an evaporator for solar-driven desalination, it can have [...]
Our summary: The invention describes an evaporator for solar-driven desalination utilizing carbon nanotubes, cellulose nanofibers, and agarose to enhance efficiency. It features excellent hydrophilicity, low density, and high salt removal efficiency through vertical microchannels. Additionally, the hybrid system integrates seawater desalination, solar-driven desalination, and pressure retarded osmosis for improved fresh water recovery and energy generation.
Evaporator, Solar Desalination, Hybrid System, Carbon Nanotubes
Patent
Carbon dioxide emissions elimination for reverse osmosis desalination units of remote islands via photovoltaic and battery solution. The case of Karpathos Island
Published on 2026-06-06 by @OXFORD
Abstract: AbstractRecently, the imperative water demand problem of small islands in the South-East Mediterranean area is being faced with the development and operation of new reverse osmosis (RO) desalination plants at high operational and environmental cost. One of the most serious RO desalination unit’s problems is their high-energy demand. This water demand coincides with the electricity demand, both peaked during the summer imposing the existing local electrical power stations to operate near their [...]
Our summary: This study explores the integration of photovoltaic systems and battery storage to power reverse osmosis desalination units on Karpathos Island. It addresses high energy demands and carbon emissions associated with traditional diesel power. The proposed solution aims to enhance clean energy autonomy while minimizing operational costs and environmental impact.
photovoltaic, desalination, carbon emissions, battery storage
Publication
System and method for treating high-concentration salt wastewater of secondary battery precursor manufacturing process
Patent published on the 2026-05-28 in WO under Ref WO2026111390 by G I TECH CO LTD [KR] (Lee In Young [kr], Kim Dong Keun [kr], Choi Dong Kyun [kr])
Abstract: A salt wastewater treatment system for treating high-concentration salt wastewater, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a first pretreatment part having a first oxidation-reduction part for decomposing and removing, by means of an oxidation-reduction reaction using an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent, at least a part of organic matter and inorganic salts contained in high-concentration salt wastewater when the high-concentration salt wastewater flows therein; a se[...]
Our summary: The system treats high-concentration salt wastewater from battery precursor manufacturing. It includes two pretreatment stages using oxidation-reduction reactions to remove organic matter and inorganic salts. The main treatment employs reverse electrodialysis for desalination without evaporation.
wastewater treatment, oxidation-reduction, desalination, secondary battery
Patent
PSS composite sponge for solar-driven water purification and dye removal for environmental sustainability
Published on 2026-05-21 by Chung-Wei Huang, Wei-Cheng Jhao, Yu-Jen Liang, Meng-Fang Lin, Yu-Sheng Hsiao @NATURE
Abstract: Polymer Journal, Published online: 21 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41428-026-01188-zA 3D macroporous MWCNT/PEDOT: PSS composite sponge, fabricated via freeze-drying, enables efficient solar-driven interfacial water evaporation (SIWE) through optimized light absorption, wettability, and water transport. The engineered porous architecture enhances solar–thermal management while facilitating rapid water uptake. Simultaneously, the sponge exhibits high adsorption capacities for organic dyes and strong a[...]
Our summary: A 3D macroporous MWCNT/PEDOT: PSS composite sponge enables efficient solar-driven interfacial water evaporation. It enhances solar–thermal management and facilitates rapid water uptake. The sponge also demonstrates high dye adsorption capacities and strong antifouling properties for sustainable water purification.
PSS, composite sponge, solar-driven purification, environmental sustainability
Publication
Water treatment
Patent published on the 2026-05-14 in AU under Ref AU2024368999 by COMMONWEALTH SCIENT AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH ORGANISATION (Thiruvenkatachari Ramesh, Cunnington Michael Thomas, Kenda Samanage Hasitha Madhubhashana Ranasingha, Yu Xin Xiang)
Abstract: A water treatment system for recovering water from impaired water is provided. The water treatment system comprises a membrane distillation module, configured to receive the water to be treated, and a cooling module, configured to receive a cooling fluid, with the membrane distillation module and cooling module are in thermal communication such that in operation the water treatment system provides for the efficient recovery of treated water. In addition, a method for recovering water from impair[...]
Our summary: A water treatment system recovers water from impaired sources using a membrane distillation module. The system includes a cooling module for efficient thermal communication. A method for utilizing this system for water recovery is also described.
membrane distillation, water recovery, cooling module, impaired water
Patent
Facile construction of a Janus carbon nanotube/cellulose membrane for solar evaporation and dye wastewater purification
Published on 2026-05-08 by Chih-Feng Wang, Fshatsion Berhane Gessesew, Wei-Song Hung, Chien-Chieh Hu, Chi-Jung Chang, Shiao-Wei Kuo, Juin-Yih Lai @NATURE
Abstract: Polymer Journal, Published online: 08 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41428-026-01189-yA facile filtration method was developed to fabricate Janus CNT@cellulose membrane, designed as an efficient photothermal material for solar-driven water vapor generation, with a focus on sustainability and low cost. The as-prepared membrane exhibited well performances in solar desalination and dye-containing wastewater treatment. The simple preparation method, self-floating ability, and high solar evaporation efficien[...]
Our summary: A Janus CNT@cellulose membrane was developed for solar-driven water vapor generation. The membrane showed high efficiency in desalination and dye wastewater treatment. Its simple fabrication and sustainability make it suitable for practical applications.
Janus carbon nanotube, cellulose membrane, solar evaporation, wastewater purification
Publication
Systems and methods for integrated modular production of hydrogen freshwater, and bioelectricity
Patent published on the 2026-04-23 in US under Ref US20260110100 by KILICASLAN AHMET [CA] (Khalvati Mohammadali [ca], Dincer Ibrahim [ca], Goren Kara Aysegul Yagmur [ca], Kilicaslan Ahmet [ca])
Abstract: [0000] Provided are systems and methods for multi-process generators employing fermentation, desalination, and electrolysis technologies. The generator system includes a fermentation compartment configured to receive a mixture of biomass waste and an anaerobic microorganism solution comprising bacteria for bioenergy production; an electrolysis compartment configured to receive an electrolyte solution comprising a saline mixture, the electrolysis compartment including first and second spaced apar[...]
Our summary: The system integrates fermentation, desalination, and electrolysis for hydrogen and bioelectricity production. It utilizes biomass waste and anaerobic microorganisms for bioenergy. Anion and cation exchange membranes facilitate freshwater generation between compartments.
Hydrogen production, bioelectricity, desalination, fermentation
Patent
Compositions and methods for washing surfaces in the manufacturing industry
Patent published on the 2026-04-23 in US under Ref US20260109914 by ECOLAB USA INC [US] (Tontcheva Petia Todorova [us], Peterson Karen Gail [us], Deford Jerald Alan [us], Ney Michael Richard [us])
Abstract: [0000] The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for removing a contaminant from a surface. The methods include passing a fluid through a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane to form a RO fluid, adding a detergent to the RO fluid to form a treated fluid, applying the treated fluid to the surface, and removing at least a portion of the contaminant from the surface to form a treated surface. The methods also include the steps of adding a rinse aid to deionized water to form a second treate[...]
Our summary: This disclosure details compositions and methods for surface cleaning in manufacturing. It involves using reverse osmosis to create a treated fluid with detergent. The process includes applying a rinse aid to enhance cleaning effectiveness.
reverse osmosis, detergent, surface cleaning, manufacturing methods
Patent
