Performance evaluation of PVA/PEO/LiCl composite as coated heat exchangers desiccants

Abstract

Composite desiccants have led to a growing interest because of their eco-friendliness, sustainability, and excellent dehumidification properties. In this paper, we present a method for constructing a dehumidification composite of PVA/PEO/LiCl that is eco-friendly and recyclable. The results show that PVA/PEO/LiCl has better dehumidification performance than SG, SG/LiCl, PVA/PEO, and PVA/PEO/CaCl2 as coated heat exchangers desiccants. The addition of LiCl caused the internal hydrophilic polymeric hygroscopic carriers to work in concert with the membrane porosity. This resulted in a considerable increase in the membrane's hygroscopic rate and capacity, as well as improved mechanical qualities. As the concentration of LiCl was increased, the surface sealing of the PVA/PEO polymer improved dramatically, and the shape of the polymer-formed film changed from loose to firmly packed. The structural shift toward densification boosted the strength of the co-blended dehumidified films. With a PVA/PEO/LiCl ratio of 1:1:2.5 and the coating thickness of 10–15 µm, the greatest dehumidification effectiveness is achieved. During five subsequent sorption and desorption procedures, the sorption of PVA/PEO/LiCl remained between 70 and 75%, demonstrating its outstanding reusability and cycling stability.