A cutting-edge seawater desalination method has been developed that combines energy storage and desalination in a way that conserves energy. Researchers from New York University's Tandon School of Engineering have utilized a technology termed "Redox" to effectively desalinate seawater. Redox converts seawater into potable water and stores renewable energy at a low cost.

The researchers combined a Redox-based battery with seawater desalination processes, enabling the seamless integration of energy storage and water purification. This breakthrough aligns with the goal of "Decarbonizing Chemical Manufacturing Us," which aims to reduce energy consumption by optimizing chemical manufacturing and desalination processes.

Decarbonizing Chemical Manufacturing

 This study aligns with the "Decarbonizing Chemical Manufacturing Using Sustainable Electricity" initiative. This initiative unites researchers and industry leaders who aim to reduce carbon emissions in the chemical industry by using electricity and transition the world to clean energy. 

Redox Desalination

 Seawater desalination involves industrial chemical processes that extract excess salts and minerals from seawater. This process makes seawater suitable for various practical applications, such as:  Agriculture,   Drinking water supply   and Industrial uses.

Desalination is an energy-intensive and costly process with environmental impacts. Energy consumption during desalination is a major challenge for scientists, who are actively exploring energy-efficient and sustainable alternatives. The desalination process typically involves three main stages:

1. Initial water treatment: Preparing raw water for desalination.
2. Water desalination: Using various techniques to remove salt from the water.
3. Final water treatment: Further refining the desalinated water for distribution and use.

Oxidation and Reduction Reactions

During desalination, membranes or distillation remove all dissolved salts, viruses, and other contaminants, such as chemicals and organic matter. Chemical methods used for salt removal include oxidation and reduction reactions, which occur in sequence. Oxidation involves the transfer of electrons, resulting in a change in the oxidation state of the reacting substances. Electrons are removed from atoms, molecules, or ions, leading to a positive charge increase or negative charge decrease.

Reduction refers to the process where atoms, molecules, or ions gain electrons. This leads to a lower positive charge or a higher negative charge. More precisely, 'oxidation' involves an increase in the oxidation number of an element or molecule, while ‘reduction’ decreases the oxidation number.

NYU Tandon researchers led by Dr. Andre Taylor have developed a redox battery desalination system that significantly improves seawater desalination efficiency. The system removes salt 20% faster while using less energy by optimizing fluid flow rates.

Redox Batteries

The proposed desalination system combines redox batteries with water purification processes. These batteries can store excess energy during low-demand periods and release it during peak demand, addressing variations in energy needs during desalination.

The study highlights the significance of redox batteries in addressing global water scarcity. They offer a flexible and scalable storage solution, enabling the utilization of renewable energies like solar and wind. This approach reduces reliance on external energy grids, making the desalination process more sustainable and efficient.

Taylor explains that the study aims to combine energy storage and water desalination to create a sustainable and efficient system. This system aims to meet the increasing need for clean water, protect the environment, and integrate renewable energy sources. By utilizing redox reactions, the system can reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and support a carbon-neutral desalination process, promoting environmental sustainability.