Solar-thermal desalination process operates at near 100% efficiency – Physics World
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Home »<br>Environment and energy » Water » Solar-thermal desalination process operates at near 100% efficiency
Water
Research update
Solar-thermal desalination process operates at near 100% efficiency
09 Jun 2026
Self-cleaning desalination system Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a solar-powered desalination device featuring laser-etched superwicking black metal (right). Unlike existing solar-thermal desalination systems (left), the new technology prevents salt and mineral buildup on the panel’s active region. (Courtesy: University of Rochester photo/J. Adam Fenster)">
Self-cleaning desalination system Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a solar-powered desalination device featuring laser-etched superwicking black metal (right). Unlike existing solar-thermal desalination systems (left), the new technology prevents salt and mineral buildup on the panel’s active region. (Courtesy: University of Rochester photo/J. Adam Fenster)
Constant access to a supply of freshwater is critical for life on this planet, as well as for the growth of industry, agriculture and modern-day economies. But natural water supplies are depleting in many parts of the world, with around 2.2 billion people lacking safely managed drinking water, according to United Nations estimates.
Many countries rely on converting ocean water into freshwater using desalination plants. But the reverse osmosis and thermal distillation techniques currently used are energy intensive and leave behind brine that raises the salt level of the water (and reduces oxygen levels), which can harm sea life.
Researchers from the University of Rochester have taken a new approach by developing a solar-thermal desalination process that’s less energy intensive, doesn’t generate brine and doesn’t require chemical additives to pre-treat the water.
“Today, about one quarter of the global population lacks safely managed drinking water; but at the same time the oceans contain an enormous resource of both water and valuable minerals,” explains lead researcher Chunlei Guo. “We wanted to develop a technology that could address these challenges together, producing freshwater sustainably while turning what is traditionally considered waste into a resource.”
The novel desalination technology, described in Light: Science & Applications, is based on a multi-functional superwicking black metal (SWBM) panel created via femtosecond laser processing. Desalination involves evaporating and distilling the water, removing the salt in the process. To do this, materials that absorb sunlight and heat up, while wicking water, are required. The SWBM panel proved effective at both.
The SWBM panel is highly attractive...