Undergraduates from MIT invented an efficient way to convert
solar energy into steam. Their creation is simpler than you may think: a layer
of graphite flakes and an underlying carbon foam. Because it is porous, the
structure can float on top of water.
When sunlight hits, it will essentially generate a “hot spot” on the
graphite which draws up water and finally evaporated it as steam. (Is anyone
else having thermochemistry flashbacks?) Now, if your thinking, like I
previously was “what’s so good about steam production anyway?” Dr. Hadi Ghasemi.
Lead Developer, explains, “Steam is important for desalination, hygenie
systems, and sterilization.”
All in all, the new structure is a significant improvement
from other more complex methods with a conversion rate of approximately 85% sun
energy to steam. In my opinion, this has the potential to be a revolutionary
product for environmental engineering. Think about it, conventional methods
require huge costly structures that convert way less steam as an outcome. MIT
students made the structure out of relatively inexpensive materials, a huge
bonus to the consumer.
(https://newsoffice.mit.edu/2014/new-spongelike-structure-converts-solar-energy-into-steam-0721)
This is a really interesting article, Hannah! I think it’s really cool that these students have been able to convert solar energy into steam with this technology, and I never even knew that it had been such an expensive process before. I also think it’s very interesting that this new product alone will help with hygiene systems and sterilization. Since this new system has also helped in cost reduction, I feel like it would also be very helpful in various places that do not have a lot of technology or money, since all you need in order to use the product is sunlight.
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