Membrane filtration as a strategy for seawater desalination as a resource for water electrolysis and H₂ production
| Title | Membrane filtration as a strategy for seawater desalination as a resource for water electrolysis and H₂ production |
| Publication Type | Conference Proceedings |
| Year of Conference | 2023 |
| Authors | Molano LCamila Rod, Cabeza CAlejandra, Harasek M |
| Conference Name | 10th IWA Membrane Technology Conference & Exhibition for Water and Wastewater Treatment and Reuse |
| Date Published | 07/2023 |
| Publisher | 10th IWA Membrane Technology Conference & Exhibition for Water and Wastewater Treatment and Reuse |
| Conference Location | USA |
| Abstract | In light of the energetic crisis and the urgent need for the decarbonization of industries, technologies such as water electrolysis for hydrogen production have attracted greater attention. This technology has been demonstrated to be a potential and sustainable solution to cope with the energy demand while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions when utilizing low-carbon sources such as renewable energy. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the availability of water sources and their treatment methods for this future scenario. Seawater is one of the most abundant water sources, which makes it a promising alternative for this process. However, it contains high concentrations of salt, minerals, and other impurities, limiting its versatility. In this vein, researchers have investigated different membrane filtration technologies, such as reverse osmosis (RO), membrane distillation (MD), and electrodialysis (ED), to obtain high-purity water complying with the minimum requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Type II deionized water. The purification process consists of running seawater through a semi-permeable membrane that allows water molecules to pass through while blocking larger molecules such as salt and other impurities. Overall, membrane-based applications can be practical for seawater desalination as a water electrolysis and H2 production resource. However, it is important to note that membrane technology also has some disadvantages, such as fouling, being energy-intensive, and the cost of the process can vary depending on the conditions, type of membrane, and specific requirements and applications. Therefore, it is essential to carefully study and consider its cost and energy requirements as well as its social and environmental impact before implementing this strategy. This study reviews the possible performance of the technology, helping to reduce the need for freshwater resources, its challenges, and the possible upgrades to improve the sustainability of the process. |