A synergistic evaluation on application of solar-thermal energy in water purification: Current scenario and future prospects

Abstract Present synergistic review is an attempt to evaluate compatibility of application of solar energy based systems for water purification. It provides an eagle’s perspective on progressive and contemporary, experimental and theoretical studies of water purification and production. Review focuses on conventional as well as modern techniques of desalination and waste water treatment. Systems modification with application of advanced materials and mimicking nature’s ways of conversion of waste water into potable water in vapor form has been new areas of research. Twenty-first century being marked with consistent and focused effort to conserve natural resources. It can be addressed by putting enhanced emphasis on use of non-conventional energy resources. Hybrid materials, like core shells, blended nanofluids can be used for selective absorptance of ultraviolet and infra-red radiation. This may be utilized in disinfection of certain type of harmful bacteria, and to enhance rate of diffusion through thin membrane. These are an innovative and promising techniques being used in recent years. There has been policy initiative taken by governments and research institutions to use solar energy in devices which are designed for water purification and production. With use of advanced materials for filter design, design modification of solar energy collecting devices, employing suitable photocatalytic conversion processes, area specific need based purification systems can be developed.