Insight review on solar still application

Abstract

Access to drinkable water is essential for life, and solar energy offers a sustainable method for water purification. Solar stills, which use solar energy to distill water, have been widely studied to improve efficiency. However, challenges such as low productivity and reliance on sunlight remain. This study reviews advancements in solar still technology, focusing on enhancements using nanoparticles, phase change materials (PCM), and design modifications. Due to their high surface area and thermal conductivity, Nanoparticles improve heat transfer when applied to the glass surface of solar stills. However, their effectiveness depends on factors such as type, size, shape, and concentration. PCM is incorporated to address the limitation of solar availability by storing energy and enabling water production during cloudy conditions and nighttime. Additionally, various solar still designs have been explored to enhance efficiency. This review critically examines these techniques, highlighting their benefits and limitations. The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing solar still performance, contributing to the development of more efficient and reliable solar water purification systems.

Keywords: Distillations, review; nanoparticles; phase change; solar still.