Research Progress on Synthesis and Adsorption Properties of Porous Composite Adsorbents for Adsorption Cooling and Desalination Systems: A Mini-review

Abstract

The adsorption cooling and desalination system is expected to become the mainstream technology of refrigeration and desalination in the future, because it has significant advantages of low temperature driving and low carbon emission. The system based on adsorption technology merits a small environmental impact and low energy consumption, which can help solve the water and energy crises. More importantly, it can use low-grade heat energy to reduce overall carbon emissions in the working process. The adsorbent is the essential component of an adsorption system, and improving the adsorbent is a vital technological advancement for increasing system effectiveness. Porous materials, such as zeolite, silica gel, and metal–organic frameworks, are the most studied adsorption materials in adsorption cooling and desalination systems. They behave differently regarding stability, thermal conductivity, adsorption capacity, and regeneration temperature. The research status of several different adsorbents, such as zeolite, silica gel and metal–organic frameworks, was comprehensively reviewed and compared. In-depth research was done on several composite adsorption materials’ synthesis processes, characterization, and adsorption traits. The obstacles they experienced were then studied, along with the development trend of composite porous adsorbents. The purpose of this study is to provide a reference for researchers committed to developing new adsorption materials under various applications and conditions.