Potential application of nano graphene oxide for saving energy in water thermal desalination system part I

Graphene derivatives revolutionize a lot of industries since its discovery. In this investigation nano graphene oxide (NGOCB) was synthesized via sulfuric acid dehydration by mixing of sugar (as source of carbon) with bentonite clay as substrate. NGOCB was characterized by using scaning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scattered area electronic diffraction analysis. The experimental results showed that the particles of graphene oxide are spherical in shape and the diameter ranged from 6 to 33 nm. The data indicated the presence of graphene oxide mono-layers with hexagonal pattern over the bentonite substrate surfaces. On applying the obtained NGOCB in thermal desalination process, several findings were observed such as saving the energy required for reaching the boiling temperature from room temperature by 11% (NGOCB 4 g/l). While on using 10 g/l of NGOCB more than 50% of the energy consumption for evaporation was saved. Also the generated desalinated water quantity obtained using nano graphene oxide was more than double the quantity that obtained by the traditional thermal desalination method. The generated steam was applied for electricity generation by mini steam turbine, which leads to 22% energy saving.