Optimization of a self-powered chemical photosynthesis desalination cell operation

• Published in: Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers 2023-07, Vol.148, p.105012, Article 105012
• Main Authors: Barahoei, Malihe, Hatamipour, Mohammad Sadegh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemical photosynthesis cell; Desalination cell; Microalgae; Oxidation–reduction reaction
• ISSN: 1876-1070; 1876-1089
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2023.105012

•Applying RSM to chemical photosynthetic desalination cell (CPDC).•Minimization of discharge effluent form desalination process.•Introducing aluminum as an economical and renewable power source.•Maximizing the salt removal in CPDC.•Use of algae as a low cost and effective oxygen source in cathode. Chemical photosynthetic desalination cells (CPDCs) are among the last generations of desalination cells which use microalgae in their structure. In the cathode chambers of previous desalination cells, expensive catalysts and toxic chemicals were employed for electricity generation, similar to other bio-electrochemical systems. Many parameters affect the CPDC performance, which are still unknown. In this study, the optimization of CPDC operating parameters was investigated utilizing response surface methodology (RSM). The investigated parameters were catholyte flow rate, catholyte pH, inlet salinity concentration, saltwater flow rate, anolyte pH, anolyte concentration, and anolyte flow rate. Three different anolyte types were investigated which were an acidic anolyte (10 mM HCl), neutral anolyte (12 g/L NaCl solution) and alkaline anolyte (10 mM NaOH solution). Using the optimum values for these parameters, the predicted (from RSM) and experimental salinity removal percentage values were found to be 77.76% and 75.33%, respectively. The alkaline anolyte showed higher salinity removal percentage, and power generation values (71% and 36.8 W/m2), respectively.