Studies on surface functionalization with zinc oxide micro/nanostructures for brackish water desalination using capacitive deionization | |
| Author | Myo Tay Zar Myint |
| Call Number | AIT Diss. no.ISE-12-25 |
| Subject(s) | Zinc oxide Nanostructures |
| Note | A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Engineering in Nanotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Dissertation ; no. ISE-12-25 |
| Abstract | Surface wetting behavior of micro/nanostructured zinc oxide (ZnO) synthesized by simple hydrothermal process on different surface morphologies was studied. Naturally hydrophilic material ZnO can be turned hydrophobic as well as superhydrophobic by microstructuring. Surface structuring and wettability on flat and flexible substrates was studied and applied to the water desalination and disinfection (removal of microbes from contaminated water) processes. Capacitive deionization(CDI)is one of the most promising technologies for removing dissolved ions from saline water. CDI technology is a novel, environmentally friendly and less energy consuming process. This method works on electrochemical control to remove ions (reduce the salinity of water) from aqueous solution upon electrically chargingthe electrodes (anode and cathode).In this research work,highly porous and conducting activated carbon cloth material modified with ZnOmicro/nanorods was used asthe electrodes ofCDI cell. The desalination process was conducted with 100 ppm sodium chloride (NaCl) solution through CDI cell equipped with ZnO nanorods modified activated carbon cloth (ACC)electrodes. Enhancement ofsalt removal(desalination) and regeneration efficiency wereachieved byCDI cell equipped with ZnO micro/nanostructuremodified ACC electrodes.Moreover, antibacterial property of ZnO micro/nanostructure was conducted which can be added function for the reduction ofelectrode fouling in CDI cell as well as obtaining disinfected desalinated water.Thus, nanocomposite materials (ACC:ZnO) has a potential to circumvent the disadvantages of CDI technology available today and assist in resolving some of the problems related to water crisis. |
| Year | 2012 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Dissertation ; no. ISE-12-25 |
| Type | Dissertation |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology (SET) |
| Department | Department of Industrial Systems Engineering (DISE) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Industrial Systems Engineering (ISE) |
| Chairperson(s) | Dutta, Joydeep; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Anal, Anil Kumar ;Thammarat Koottatep; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Sheikh Saqr Al Qasimi Graduate Research Fellowship, United Arab Emirates; |
| Degree | Thesis (Ph. D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2012 |