Chemists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have taken a significant step towards a greener future for water remediation, where they have demonstrated the integration of solar energy into an electrochemical separation process.

The researchers said the discovery opens doors to potentially power such applications entirely with renewable energy sources.

Electrochemical separation, or electrochemical desalination, is a promising technique for purifying contaminated water and environmental remediation.

This energy-efficient strategy has shown potential in addressing water pollution challenges by utilizing electricity to manipulate ions’ electric charge and separate different particles within a solution.

However, the conventional reliance on non-renewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels, has raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of electrochemical processes.

The research team has pioneered a novel approach to power electrochemical separation using renewable energy sources, specifically solar energy.

Using a semiconductor, the researchers harnessed solar energy and integrated it into the electrochemical separation process, traditionally powered by a redox reaction.

This advancement allows for manipulating ions’ electric charge within a solution, facilitating the effective separation of particles, such as dilute arsenate derived from industrial waste from wastewater.

Sustainable Water Remediation

One of the prominent waste components in wastewater is dilute arsenate, a derivative of arsenic, originating primarily from steel and mining industries. This toxic element poses significant environmental risks, necessitating efficient removal techniques.

The researchers’ proof-of-concept study showcased the successful separation and removal of dilute arsenate from water using their solar-powered electrochemical separation system.

The energy-efficient nature of electrochemical separation, coupled with the use of renewable energy, can lead to cost reductions in water remediation processes.

In February, researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) said they had discovered the key to removing carbon dioxide directly from ocean water, which absorbs 30-40% of carbon emissions prevailing in the atmosphere.

A recent study by Texas A&M University researchers revealed that the storage capacity of metal-free, water-based batteries can vary a 1,000% depending on the electrodes used.