The researchers from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore have developed a solar energy-based water-purification system. Reportedly, the system has incorporated interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) technology which combines solar energy with advanced photothermal materials to treat water in an efficient and economical manner. This technology is a low-energy and low-cost alternative to conventional desalination processes like reverse osmosis. It is beneficial for remote and coastal areas with abundant seawater and scarce traditional energy sources.
In order to overcome challenges like hydrophobicity in conventional carbon-based photothermal materials, specialised inks from metal oxide and carbide materials have been developed. Reportedly, these inks are capable of absorbing solar radiation, converting it into heat and producing steam directly from saltwater.