Water Impurities Research Articles

Nanostructure-Based Oil–Water Separation: Mechanism and Status

Flexible and effective methods for oil–water separation are crucial for reducing pollutant emissions and safeguarding water and fuel resources. In recent years, there has been growing interest in fundamental research and engineering applications related to water and fuel purification, especially oil–water separation. To date, filter materials with special wetting characteristics have been widely used in oil–water separation. Nanostructured materials are one of the most attractive candidates for next-generation oil–water separation. This review systematically summarizes the mechanisms and current status of oil–water separation using nanostructured materials. Basically, this can be achieved by using nanostructured materials with specific wettability and nanostructures. Here, we provide a detailed discussion of two general approaches and their filtration mechanisms: (1) the selective filtration technique, based on specific surface wettability, which allows only oil or water to penetrate while blocking impurities; (2) the absorption technique, employing porous sponges, fibers, or aerogels, which selectively absorbs impure oil or water droplets. Furthermore, the main failure modes are discussed in this review. The purposes of this article are: (1) to summarize the methods of oil–water separation by nanotechnology; (2) to raise the level of environmental protection consciousness of water pollution by using nanotechnology; (3) to tease out the features of different approaches and provide a pivotal theoretical basis to optimize the performance of filtering materials. Several approaches for oil and water separation are compared. Furthermore, the principle and application scope of each method are introduced.

PURIFICATION OF LIQUIDS IMPURITIES BY ELECTROMAGNETIC INFLUENCE

The importance of liquid purification leads to a decrease in the concentration of pollutants mainly in the stream during its use. This paper analyzes the relevance of document verification in accordance with existing legislation. An analysis of actual physical and chemical methods of liquid purification was carried out. The creation of a working chamber for the grouping of impurities for liquid purification is described. The result was achieved by electromagnetic influence on charged impurities. The scientific news of the study of the creation of a paraboloid of rotation of impurities has been created. The principle of operation of the cleaning system is shown on the example of the grouping of oil and water impurities. Research results show the possibility of liquid purification by controlling the trajectory of impurities. The work uses the Dini equation (Italian: Ulisse Dini) to describe the mathematical model of the grouping of impurities. A model of the trajectory of impurities in the LabVIEW shell was created. The possibility of further purification of the liquid by the method of electromagnetic grouping and subsequent removal of impurities from the flow was verified. The study takes place in the installation of inductance coils on the outer surface of the impurity grouping chamber. The trajectory of the movement of impurities in the magnetic field is determined. The electromagnetic influence on the charged impurities changes their trajectory and causes the impurities to move along the Larmor radius. When the magnitude of the electromagnetic field increases, the speed of movement of the impurity increases, and the radius of motion of the impurity decreases. It has been proven that impurities with a lower density are better concentrated in the center of the RKG. The parameters of the coils for creating an electromagnetic field are selected. The model of the rotation of oil impurities in the driver is reproduced on the model. The change in the specific conductivity of the water medium with increasing magnetic field induction was verified. At the first stage, we offer the construction of a stand for further purification of liquid by the method of electromagnetic grouping of impurities. Practical recommendations are given for achieving the efficiency of the electromagnetic method of liquid purification and its reuse.

Modelling of a hybrid wind power generator–water distillation system using a Venturi tunnel

Abstract This study presents the development of a novel hybrid wind power generator–water distillation system with the objective of providing sustainable solutions for impoverished isolated communities facing limited resources. The advantage of the proposed system is its ability to operate day and night; therefore, it produces larger quantities of distilled water even on cloudy days with winds. The system comprises a Venturi tunnel integrated with a wind turbine, an attached impure water tank, and a condenser located at the end section. The accelerated airflow at the throat section serves two purposes: water evaporation from the tank and power generation through the wind turbine. The evaporated water is subsequently collected as the airflow decelerates and the pressure decreases along the diverging section. Theoretical and computational modelling is employed to design the system by examining air speed, area ratio, relative humidity, as well as air, and water temperatures. The system exhibits enhanced performance under warm and dry weather conditions, thereby optimizing its performance. Conversely, temperature and relative humidity do not affect power generation; it was increased by higher air speeds and larger area ratios. This data-driven approach ensures optimal design parameters are selected, aligning the system's capabilities with the specific freshwater demand.

Investigating the atomic behavior of carbon nanotubes as nanopumps

In this study, we utilized molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the nano pumping process of Carbon Nanotube (CNT) in an aqueous environment. In this research, an attempt has been made to investigate and analyze the pumping process of fullerene C20 and water molecules through a carbon nanotube that is externally stimulated by two oscillators. It should be noted that this nano pump is completely immersed in an aqueous environment and the inside and outside of the carbon nanotube is filled with water molecules. To simulate the aqueous environment with NaCl impurities and carbon structures, we employed the Universal Force Field and Tersoff interatomic potentials, respectively. The stability of the simulated structures was demonstrated through an equilibrium process, which was a result of the appropriate settings in our MD simulations. To describe the CNT nano pumping process, we analyzed the velocity and translational/rotational components of C20 kinetic energy over time steps. By decreasing the water impurity concentration from 0.50 to 0.075 mol/l, the nano pumping time varied from 10.98 to 10.11 ps, respectively. Additionally, optimization of the atomic wave producing in the nano pumping process led to a further decrease in pumping time to 10.01 ps. Finally, a 2.86% variation in calculated results was observed by changing the water MD simulation model from SPC to TIP4P.

NiCo layered double hydroxides/NiFe layered double hydroxides composite (NiCo-LDH/NiFe-LDH) towards efficient oxygen evolution in different water matrices

Engineering robust non-noble metal electrocatalysts towards efficient impure water (e.g., seawater, wastewater) oxidation is a prospective approach to achieve carbon neutrality via accelerating green hydrogen energy development. Herein, a NiCo layered double hydroxides (LDH)/NiFe LDH composite (NiCo-LDH/NiFe-LDH) was developed for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) via a hydrothermal process-electrodeposition method. The optimal NiCo-LDH/NiFe-LDH-30 composite only needed an overpotential (η) of 240 mV to drive 100 mA/cm2 in alkalized freshwater, with a low Tafel slope of 16.6 mV/dec and good stability for over 90 h. Further analyses suggested that the strong interface interaction between NiCo-LDH and NiFe-LDH accelerated the oxygen gas bubble evolution and boosted interfacial charge transfer, and the formed built-in electric field and higher oxidation state species (metal oxyhydroxides) contributed to the high intrinsic catalytic activity. The NiCo-LDH/NiFe-LDH-30 composite also held excellent OER activities in different impure water environments, including alkaline 0.5 M NaCl solution (η100 = 333 mV), alkaline lake water (η100 = 345 mV), and alkaline wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent (η100 = 320 mV). More importantly, the potential effects of Cl− and CO32− in impure water were revealed during the OER process. This work elaborates on the role of built-in electric field and the strong coupling interaction in composite catalysts, which pave the way for the design of cost-effective catalysts with excellent adaptability in different water environments.

Determination of hydrocyclone parameters for oil emulsion treatment with forced flow rotation, taking into account changes in rheological properties

The object of research is the process of dewatering oil emulsions by using a hydrocyclone with forced flow rotation taking into account rheological properties.
 The problem solved in the work is related to production, primary preparation and transportation of oils. The process of oil extraction is accompanied by saturation of the product with water, salts, mechanical particles and light fractions, which requires primary preparation of oil through multi-stage, sometimes long-term, low-productivity processing in order to separate the above-mentioned components. The water content of some deposits, especially marine deposits, is 80%, which makes the process of oil dehydration particularly important for preparing oil for transportation. Among the known methods of dewatering oil emulsions, such as settling, heat treatment, chemical treatment, electrodehydration and centrifugation, the last one allows to significantly influence the separation processes. The essence of the centrifugation process, consists in increasing the rotational speed of the particles of the dispersed phase by replacing the natural force of gravity with a more powerful centrifugal force. The density of water and mechanical impurities is higher than the density of oil, and particles under the action of centrifugal force are pressed against the wall and, coagulating, are removed through the flow separator.
 In the course of the work, the main regularities of the process were determinedcentrifugation, namely the rate of sedimentation of the water fraction from the rheological parameters of the emulsion and the kinematic characteristics of the hydrocyclone with forced rotation of the flow. It was established that the dependence of the volume of the water fraction of the oil emulsion is a power function of the second order, and the rate is linear. The settling of a water particle has a linear dependence on the size of the particle. Speed The set speed of settling of water particles of an oil emulsion allows you to calculate the length of the turbine depending on the required performance, speed of rotation and rheological properties.
 The developed theoretical provisions of the process of dewatering oil emulsions by using a hydrocyclone with forced rotation of the flow, taking into account the rheological properties, allow designing machines of this type for various conditions of oil production.

NiO@PANI based Nanocomposites as an Advanced Functional Material: Experimental and Computational Approach

Background:: Individually, metal nanoparticles (NPs) and conducting polymers show unique properties due to small size, large surface area, and high order of conductivity. But their combination may result in a synergistic effect in properties. Methods:: The NiO NPs and conducting polymer Polyaniline were prepared by modified Sol-gel and chemical oxidative methods, respectively. Powder XRD, FTIR, TEM, and UV-visible methods were used for the structural evaluation. The computational (DFT) study was performed to support experimental results. The NiO/Polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposites (NCs) were explored as corrosion inhibitors, electrical conductors, and photocatalytic agents. Results:: The NiO/Polyaniline NCs showed 91.52% corrosion inhibition efficiency at 1000 ppm concentration. The photocatalytic activity was investigated against methylene blue dye under ultraviolet light. The NiO/Polyaniline NCs decompose 90% of organic dye. The NCs exhibit good conducting, corrosion inhibition, and photocatalytic activity. Conclusion:: The metal oxide (NiO NPs) and PANI-based NCs can be used as corrosion inhibitors, conducting material, and for the degradation of organic compounds (dyes) in impure water.

Hydrogen production by water electrolysis technologies: A review

Hydrogen as an energy source has been identified as an optimal pathway for mitigating climate change by combining renewable electricity with water electrolysis systems. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology has received a substantial amount of attention because of its ability to efficiently produce high-purity hydrogen while minimising challenges associated with handling and maintenance. Another hydrogen generation technology, alkaline water electrolysis (AWE), has been widely used in commercial hydrogen production applications. Anion exchange membrane (AEM) technology can produce hydrogen at relatively low costs because the noble metal catalysts used in PEM and AWE systems are replaced with conventional low-cost electrocatalysts. Solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC) technology is another electrolysis technology for producing hydrogen at relatively high conversion efficiencies, low cost, and with low associated emissions. However, the operating temperatures of SOECs are high which necessitates long startup times. This review addresses the current state of technologies capable of using impure water in water electrolysis systems. Commercially available water electrolysis systems were extensively discussed and compared. The technical barriers of hydrogen production by PEM and AEM were also investigated. Furthermore, commercial PEM stack electrolyzer performance was evaluated using artificial river water (soft water). An integrated system approach was recommended for meeting the power and pure water demands using reversible seawater by combining renewable electricity, water electrolysis, and fuel cells. AEM performance was considered to be low, requiring further developments to enhance the membrane's lifetime.

Simulated and experimental thermodynamic investigations for the selection of suitable hydrate formers for water treatment

AbstractHydrate‐former selection is important for achieving high water recovery and impurity removal efficiencies in hydrate‐based water treatment. This study presents thermodynamic approaches for selecting a hydrate former suitable for water treatment. Here, carbon dioxide (CO2) and 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane (HFC‐134a) were investigated as hydrate formers. Simulated studies of the hydrate formation by four formers were conducted at different NaCl concentrations (0.00, 1.75, and 3.50 wt%) to predict the phase‐equilibrium conditions. A commercial software (CSMGem) was used for the calculation of the hydrate‐phase equilibrium of CO2. The Hu–Lee–Sum (HLS) correlation predicted the three‐phase equilibrium of CO2 and HFC‐134a. The results indicated that HFC‐134a is a good candidate for water treatment using gas hydrates. The phase equilibrium results calculated based on the HLS correlation and the CSMGem software confirmed the experimental results obtained using an isochoric method. The predicted thermodynamic properties provide essential information for the process design in water treatment applications.

Tuning the membrane rejection behavior by surface wettability engineering for an effective water-in-oil emulsion separation

Membrane-based separation is a promising technology to eliminate water impurities from the oil phase. However, it remains a great challenge to separate water from highly emulsified viscous oil owing to the high stability of the water droplets in oil. Herein we report a surface wettability engineering on an alumina ceramic membrane to achieve an efficient separation of a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion. Silanes with different carbon chain lengths and fluorinated status were introduced to endow the alumina membrane with different surface wettabilities. While all the modified membranes exhibited excellent separation of the W/O without Span 80 (surfactant), the one with amphiphobic wettability and lowest surface energy failed to separate the Span 80 stabilized W/O. The presence of Span 80 reduced the interfacial tension of water droplets, making them easier to deform and penetrate the modified membrane with the lowest surface energy. It reveals that engineering proper surface wettability is the key to separating the oil and water phases. Besides, the modified membranes maintained decent separation performance and stability under long-term run separation of the emulsified W/O.

Synthesis of two-dimensional triazine covalent organic frameworks at ambient conditions to detect and remove water pollutants

Synthesis of fully triazine frameworks (C3N3) by metal catalyzed reactions at high temperatures results in carbonized and less-defined structures. Moreover, metal impurities affect the physicochemical, optical and electrical properties of the synthesized frameworks, dramatically. In this work, two-dimensional C3N3 (2DC3N3) has been synthesized by in situ catalyst-free copolymerization of sodium cyanide and cyanuric chloride, as cheap and commercially available precursors, at ambient conditions on gram scale. Reaction between sodium cyanide and cyanuric chloride resulted in electron-poor polyfunctional intermediates, which converted to 2DC3N3 with several hundred micrometers lateral size at ambient conditions upon [2 + 2+2] cyclotrimerization. 2DC3N3 sheets, in bulk and individually, showed strong fluorescence with 63% quantum yield and sensitive to small objects such as dyes and metal ions. The sensitivity of 2DC3N3 emission to foreign objects was used to detect low concentration of water impurities. Due to the high negative surface charge (-37.7 mV) and dispersion in aqueous solutions, they demonstrated a high potential to remove positively charged dyes from water, exemplified by excellent removal efficiency (>99%) for methylene blue. Taking advantage of the straightforward production and strong interactions with dyes and metal ions, 2DC3N3 was integrated in filters and used for the fast detection and efficient removal of water impurities.

Numerical simulation and optimization of a circular open channel for fish farming using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Open canals are one of the most common and cost-effective methods in water supply networks; they are widely used in different industries such as agriculture, water and sewage treatment, urban drainage, pisciculture and water parks. Due to global warming, the demand in clean energy to replace fossil fuels has caused using water turbines in riverbeds and aqueducts to be important. On this basis, optimizing key parameters such as flow motion and canal turbulence is crucial to reduce breakdowns while designing canals. In fact, the inappropriate adjustment of velocity and pressure within the canals may lead to the system failure: imbalance between inlet and outlet will increase the water level and the pressure on canal walls thus, leading to breakdown. In this paper, a circular open canal was designed for a pisciculture system. The velocity and height of the water canal is controlled by the canal inlet and outlet system and the water flows continuously inside the canal. By keeping the canal water volume constant in any time and the flow motion with constant velocity, the system makes the fishes feel infinite movement. Furthermore, the water particles and impurities (e.g., food and fish feces) are removed by the outlet from the canal bottom, transferred to the filtration system, and returned to the fish farm by the canal inlet after the filtration procedure; the mentioned technique causes the water canal to be kept at its optimal level. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been used to simulate the canal flow. Solving the Navier-Stokes equations numerically and assuming incompressible, unsteady, and two-phase flow, the parameters of the canal flow were extracted. Also, by mounting the system outlet along the path of water movement, greatly reduces the adverse effects of the outlet suction force on the canal main flow. Moreover, by dividing the canal inlet with guide vanes, the inlet has been modified for the entrance of the clean water simultaneously with the distribution of the inlet flow to several smaller flows in order to make the canal water continue to move continuously without any turbulence.

(Digital Presentation) Preparation and Characterization of PMMA-SWCNT Nanocomposites

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exhibit unique properties such as high tensile strength, excellent electrical conductivity, and resistance to corrosion. Unfortunately, macroscopic objects from these nanostructures do not perform equally well because the individual nanotubes do not transfer electrical charge, phonons, or stress between them sufficiently well. One possible solution to improve the properties of macroscopic ensembles from nanocarbon is to manufacture the composites with other materials like polymers, ceramics, or metals. This connection is usually beneficial. However, the properties depend strongly on the integration degree of the two compounds. For example, nanocomposites with polymers have improved mechanical (Poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA) or electrical (in the cause of conductive polymers) properties. Many ways lead to PMMA-CNTs, but the most popular are coating (dip-coating, spin-coating, spray-coating) and dispersion methods.One of the potential applications of these composites is as a membrane for the purification of wastewater from organic residues. Unfortunately, industrial growth in the last century has caused a reduction in the availability of pure water, so the abovementioned application of CNTs would be beneficial. However, the main problem with pristine carbon nanotube films is their structural integrity. The addition of polymer molecules could overcome this problem and lead to a new effective method of removing impurities.The commercial single-walled carbon nanotubes (TuballTM) were used to create nanocomposites with PMMA using either dip-coating or dispersion method. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and mechanical testing were used to analyze composites. The nanocomposites were used to remove aromatic organic compounds dissolved in water. For model substances methyl orange, methylene blue, and fluorescein were chosen. UV-VIS spectroscopy was used to gauge the concentration of organic compounds before/after the filtration of the aqueous solution dissolved therein. The best results were for SWCNTs and PMMA-SWCNTs membranes as they removed more than 99% of chosen water impurities.

Examining the molecular origins of anomalously high H2O generation at oxide-passivated metal surfaces for plasma applications

Elucidating the mechanisms responsible for sub-microsecond desorption of water and other impurities from electrode surfaces at high heating rates is crucial for understanding pulsed-power behavior and optimizing its efficiency. Ionization of desorbed impurities in the vacuum regions may create parallel loads and current loss. Devising methods to limit desorption during the short time duration of pulsed-power will significantly improve the power output. This problem also presents an exciting challenge to and paradigm for molecular length-scale modeling and theories. Previous molecular modeling studies have strongly suggested that, under high vacuum conditions, the amount of water impurity adsorbed on oxide surfaces on metal electrodes is at a sub-monolayer level, which appears insufficient to explain the observed pulsed-power losses at high current densities. Based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we propose that hydrogen trapped inside iron metal can diffuse into iron (III) oxide on the metal surface in sub-microsecond time scales, explaining the extra desorbed inventory. These hydrogen atoms react with the oxide to form Fe(II) and desorbed H2O at elevated temperatures. Cr2O3 is found to react more slowly to form Cr(II). H2 evolution is also predicted to require higher activation energies, so H2 may be evolved at later times than H2O. A one-dimensional diffusion model, based on DFT results, is devised to estimate the water outgassing rate under different conditions. This model explains outgassing above 1 ML for surface temperatures of 1 eV often assumed in pulsed-power systems. Finally, we apply a suite of characterization techniques to demonstrate that when iron metal is heated to 650 ∘C, the dominant surface oxide component becomes α-Fe2O3. We propose such specially-prepared samples will lead to convergence between atomic modeling and measurements like temperature-programmed desorption.

Sosialisasi Filtrasi Air Sederhana Sebagai Upaya Meningkatkan Sadar Sanitasi di SDN Lemahkembar

Providing access to clean water and proper sanitation is important in ensuring good health and well-being for individuals and communities. SDN Weakkembar is an elementary school located in an area that does not yet have adequate access to clean water sources. Therefore, socialization about simple water filtration is an important step to increase sanitation awareness in this school. This socialization aims to explain the importance of clean water and good sanitation, as well as to introduce and socialize simple water filtration methods to students at SDN Lemahkembar. This simple water filtration method involves using inexpensive and readily available materials, such as sand, gravel, cotton wool, tissues, used bottles, and dacron to rid the water of impurities and contaminants. The socialization was carried out through a series of educational activities, including presentations, group discussions, and practical demonstrations on how to make and use a simple water filtration device. Apart from that, sanitation awareness campaigns were also carried out, which involved putting up posters, distributing brochures about the importance of personal and environmental hygiene. The results of this activity show that the socialization of simple water filtration has succeeded in increasing sanitation awareness at SDN Weakkembar. School students become more aware of the importance of using clean water and good sanitation to maintain their health. They are also skilled in building and using simple water filtration devices, which can help them gain access to safer, clean water. With this socialization, it is hoped that sanitation awareness at SDN Lemahkembar will continue to increase and become a habit that is maintained. This can have a positive impact on the health of students and school girls and encourage sustainable behavior changes related to sanitation in the surrounding community.

Experience of pumping the vacuum vessel of SST-1 during the baking cycle with indigenously developed liquid nitrogen cooled sorption pump

To achieve ultra-high vacuum in the vacuum vessel of SST-1, the baking of vacuum vessel is done to remove impurities like water vapour, carbon-dioxide and hydrocarbons etc. The maximum baking temperature of the plasma-facing components (PFCs) are around 250 °C and the vacuum vessel is around 150 °C. The gas load of water vapour increases significantly during the baking operation. Therefore, to pump the water vapour during baking, a customized liquid nitrogen cooled sorption pump was designed, fabricated and installed on the radial port of the machine. It is the first time that liquid nitrogen cooled Cryopump was used on the SST-1 machine. The pumping of water vapour, nitrogen and impurity gases was observed during the 11 days of operation. Commercial Cryopumps are operating at ∼10 K temperature and can pump hydrogen gas however, the direct mounting of these pumps during baking results in early regeneration of the pump due to high heat load. Therefore, the experience of pumping the vacuum vessel of SST-1 with the indigenous developed sorption pump in association with the Turbo-Molecular Pump (TMP) sets is discussed systematically in the present report. The partial pressure of the water vapour using TMP sets was 1.0E-6 mbar and after incorporating the sorption cryopump with the existing vacuum system, the partial pressure reached to 1.3E-7 mbar in 48 h at 230 °C PFCs temperature. The pressure attained in the vacuum vessel was ∼1.0E-7 mbar and the partial pressure of water vapour was ∼1.1E-8 mbar after ramp-down the PFCs to 50 °C temperature.

Zn2+ @Polyvinylpyrrolidone and Urushiol Preparation of Nanofibrous Membranes and Their Synergistic Effect.

In this study, lacquer is gathered from a lacquer tree and rotary evaporation is used to remove impurities to obtain urushiol. Next, 10mL of anhydrous ethanol serves as the solvent for blending polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) at a specified content (0.7g and 0.2-0.7g urushiol) to form an electrospinning solution. Electrospinning is carried out with a voltage of 18kV to prepare PVP/urushiol nanofibrous membranes. At a ratio of 7/4, the PVP/urushiol nanofibrous membranes are not eroded in 98% sulfuric acid and these membranes also demonstrate a 50-60% antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Moreover, the antibacterial effect can be boosted to 98% with the incorporation of zinc ions. The results indicate that anhydrous ethanol can remove the sensitization of urushiol from PVP/urushiol membranes. Furthermore, animal test results indicate that when rats are in contact with PVP/urushiol anhydrous ethanol for 48h, their skins are free from dark brown skin allergy. The presence of PVP eliminates the sensitization of urushiol, and the nanofibrous membranes demonstrate low toxicity. Hence, urushiol is the only natural material that enables PVP to withstand 98% sulfuric acid as well as acquire hydrolyzability, thereby qualify PVP as a medical material.

Emergency Preparedness: Strategies for Maintaining Water Supply Quality and Access for Sterile Processing.

Sterile processing department (SPD) technicians are responsible for providing properly reprocessed surgical instruments for procedures. They use utility (ie, tap) water for precleaning, cleaning, and disinfection; and critical (ie, treated to remove impurities) water for the final rinse and steam sterilization. Water maintenance personnel should work with SPD personnel to ensure that the facility's water supply meets the quality parameters for hardness, pH, conductivity, chlorides, bacteria, and endotoxins. Inadequate water quality and quantity can affect SPD technicians' ability to reprocess instruments correctly and may result in pathogen transmission. When water quality concerns arise, SPD personnel should notify perioperative personnel. Health care facilities should have a water management program to address both normal and abnormal water operations and an emergency water supply plan. Pandemics, geopolitical conflicts, and natural disasters may disrupt water supplies. Proactive planning for water shortages should help facility leaders respond quickly and effectively when shortages occur.

Exploring the Viability of Utilizing Treated Wastewater as a Sustainable Water Resource for Green Hydrogen Generation Using Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOECs)

In response to the European Union’s initiative toward achieving carbon neutrality, the utilization of water electrolysis for hydrogen production has emerged as a promising avenue for decarbonizing current energy systems. Among the various approaches, Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) presents an attractive solution, especially due to its potential to utilize impure water sources. This study focuses on modeling a SOEC supplied with four distinct streams of treated municipal wastewaters, using the Aspen Plus software. Through the simulation analysis, it was determined that two of the wastewater streams could be effectively evaporated and treated within the cell, without generating waste liquids containing excessive pollutant concentrations. Specifically, by evaporating 27% of the first current and 10% of the second, it was estimated that 26.2 kg/m3 and 9.7 kg/m3 of green hydrogen could be produced, respectively. Considering the EU’s target for Italy is to have 5 GW of installed power capacity by 2030 and the mass flowrate of the analyzed wastewater streams, this hydrogen production could meet anywhere from 0.4% to 20% of Italy’s projected electricity demand.

Local structure and transport properties of MgCl2 molten salt with impurity water based on first principles molecular dynamics simulations

Electrolysis of molten anhydrous magnesium chloride is an efficient way to prepare magnesium. Nowadays, it is still an attractive issue to reduce the production cost of anhydrous magnesium chloride in preparing magnesium process by electrolysis. This work focused on the local structure and transport properties of MgCl2 molten salt with impurity water system under various temperature conditions based on the first principles molecular dynamics simulations. The radial distribution function, coordination number distribution, angular distribution function, static structure factor, and self-diffusion coefficient in the temperature range from 1000 K to 1400 K, were compared with of pure MgCl2 to elucidate the microscopic interaction mechanism of impurity water. Besides, this study indicated that the first principles molecular dynamics simulation can serve as an effective and promising tool for the theoretical study of more complex molten salts and provide basic guidance for the experiment to fill in the gaps.