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UNIST Inverse-L Photothermal Solar Evaporator

Membranes & Advanced FiltrationEst. CapEx: Low-cost / Locally fabricated


Technical Overview

Researchers at UNIST created a passive solar desalination device featuring an inverse-L-shaped evaporator constructed from lanthanum-strontium-manganese oxide photothermal material. It generates 3.4 liters of potable water per hour from seawater without any external electricity.


Key Specifications & Engineering Parameters

Parameter Specification
Category Membranes & Advanced Filtration
Capital Cost Low-cost / Locally fabricated
Primary Mechanism La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 absorbs broadband solar radiation and converts it to heat at the evaporation surface. The inverse-L geometry continuously wicks water upward while gravity and the structure’s geometry channel precipitating salts away from the hot zone, preventing clogging.
Target Scale Household / Village Cluster
Standard Lifespan 10 - 20 Years

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