The Role of Nanotechnology and Phase Change Materials in Solar Still Efficiency: Current Trends and Future Prospects: A review

Abstract

New developments in the solar still technology are very promising since many advances could be made to enhance desalination. productivity for different climates. Based on developing new materials and thermally active components, this study seeks to reach an understanding of how the gap between theoretical efficiency and practical feasibility can be bridged. Surface coatings (e.g., black paint) have been reported in recent literature with throughput rates of 2.36 kg/m²/d, being 70% greater than conventional stainless steel designs. While some further technical optimization is needed to improve the current throughput of 439 ml/m²/day, the investigation also considers the role of thermal collectors, for example, parabolic trough collectors (PTCs), in enhancing evaporation rates. It also raises the potential benefits that could be gained from new materials (phase-change composites/PCMs). and nanotechnology in particular) for enhancing thermal effectiveness. The review concludes that engineering innovation and non-rigid (reactive) concepts offer a decentralized, sustainable solution for addressing the water shortage in the world and growing demand for potable water across various applications.