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

Autor(es)

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.

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: MRS ADVANCES; v. 4, n. 35, p. 8-pg., 2019-01-01.

Resumo

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)

• Processo FAPESP: 12/15857-1 - Estudos científicos e aplicações inovadoras em diamante-CVD, Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) e carbono nanoestruturado, obtidos por deposição química na fase vapor
• Beneficiário: Vladimir Jesus Trava-Airoldi
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Temático
• Processo FAPESP: 16/07912-3 - Desenvolvimento de sistema microfluídico à base de nanocompósito diamante/nanotubos de carbono para coleta de água da atmosfera
• Beneficiário: Romário Araújo Pinheiro
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado