Recycled Tire-Based Solar Solutions

Researchers at Dalhousie University in Canada have created a new solution to reduce tire pollution and provide clean water. Their innovative device "floats on water and uses recycled tires to purify seawater and brackish water through solar desalination; this process works by using solar energy to evaporate water, leaving impurities behind, while special nanoparticles made from recycled tires help turn sunlight into heat, enhancing the system's efficiency."

In addition to purifying water, the device is "capable of producing 3.67 liters of clean water per square meter each day for $0.86 per liter, with a solar energy conversion efficiency of 40%." Furthermore, it has shown potential for generating small amounts of electricity, which could power sensors in off-grid areas, expanding its practical uses.

This project not only helps reduce tire waste but also repurposes tires that would otherwise end up in landfills or incinerators. As a result, it offers a sustainable solution to the global need for clean water, and further testing is planned in South Asia, where the conditions are ideal for evaluating its effectiveness.

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