Photo-Assisted Acid-Base Machines and Desalinators

Abstract

This project describes the development of a machine that haversts energy from neutralizing reactions under sunlight, when it is performed between an acid reservoir and a basic reservoir. A part of the electrical work performed is associated with the variation of entropy promoted by the variation of pH and concentration of alkali metal ions in the electrolytic solutions at constant temperature and pressure. Another part of the work carried out with conversion of solar energy into electrical energy from photo-oxidation of water. The energy harvesting and neutralization process of the electrolytic solutions can be performed with the use of host matrices, photoanode for conversion of solar energy and electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. Unlike other energy sources, these machines contribute for the sustainable development, since they may be able to harvest energy from treatment of wastewater. The use of selective host matrices to alkali metal ions and anions also allows the removal of salt from brackish and marine water. The electrochemical processes involved in these desalinators, such as in the acid-base machines, will be investigated from techniques and models in time and frequency domains, as well at the equilibrium, non-equilibrium, and stationary states. (AU)