Green Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Advanced Water Desalination Systems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59675/E124Keywords:
Green synthesis, Nanomaterials, Water desalination, Reverse osmosis, Membrane technology, Plant-mediated synthesis,Abstract
Water scarcity around the world has led to increased demands of effective and sustainable desalination processes that can transform sea water and brackish water to drinking water. Nanotechnology solutions are transformational in that the membrane performs better, the membrane is able to endure fouling better, and the membrane can remove contaminants more optimally. Nevertheless, the traditional techniques of producing nanomaterials such as the use of toxic substances, energy intensive processes and production of toxic wastes are against the concept of sustainability required to curb the water problems. Environmentally benign alternatives have been found through green synthesis methods which use environmental friendly biological agents such as plant extracts, microorganisms and biopolymers with high-performance nanomaterials made with minimal ecological footprint. In this paper the analyses will be of green synthesis techniques applicable in the fabrication of nanoparticles, nanocomposites, and nanostructured membranes that are specifically developed to serve the advanced water desalination systems. It has a critical analysis of synthesis mechanisms, techniques of characterization, as well as performance measurements such as salt rejection rates, permeate flux, antifouling properties, and stability during operation. The paper compares the use of applications of reverse osmosis, forward osmosis, membrane distillation, and nanofiltration technologies, the scale-up issue, and economic viability. This study also shows through case studies of Middle Eastern, Asian, and African desalination plants that green-synthesized nanomaterials exhibit salt rejection rates that are more than 99% with energy reduction of up to 30. The paper summarizes that green nanotechnology is a viable way forward in meeting water security by having environmentally responsible desalination plants in line with the concept of the circular economy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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