Water Vapor Condensation from Atmospheric Air by Super-Hydrophobic VACNTs Growth on Stainless Steel Pipes

Author(s)

Pinheiro, R. A. ; Damm, D. D. ; Silva, A. A. ; Volu, R. M. ; Almeida, K. F. ; Rosa, F. M. ; Trava-Airoldi, V. J. ; Corat, E. J.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MRS ADVANCES; v. 4, n. 35, p. 8-pg., 2019-01-01.

Abstract

Energy-efficient condensation of steam contained in atmospheric air has emerged as a solution to the water scarcity. Academic and industrial research works that seeks to develop water collection devices with high efficiency has great relevance for the scientific community. In this work, we aim to show that modified carbon nanotubes forest can remove the condensed drops easier than a hydrophobic and a super-hydrophilic surface. In addition, this result was reached at high super saturation level which is an innovative aspect of this work. The Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes (VACNTs) were grown on steel pipes. We used a CO2 laser and an O-2 plasma to perform the post treatments that changed the CNTs to super-hydrophobic and super-hydrophilic, respectively. In addition, the CO2 laser treatment added a second level of roughness in the surface by etching the nanotubes walls. A polyethylene coating attached the carbon nanotubes to the substrate. We experimentally demonstrated a 24% higher vapor condensation rate at high supersaturations levels. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/15857-1 - Scientific studies and innovation application on CVD diamond, DLC and carbon nanostructures obtained by chemical vapor deposition technique
• Grantee: Vladimir Jesus Trava-Airoldi
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/07912-3 - Development of a microfluidic System of nanocomposite diamond/carbon nanotubes for atmosphere water harvesting.
• Grantee: Romário Araújo Pinheiro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate