Heng Zhang

Transport membrane condenser with ceramic membrane has been proven to be effective in recovering water from industrial flue gas. A concentrated pore size distribution of the ceramic membrane assures high recovery performance and water quality. In this study, a low-cost ceramic membrane with concentrated pore size distribution is prepared using a coal fly ash as the main material. The effects of particle content and particle size on membrane are studied. Flue gas moisture recovery performance of the membrane is also investigated. The membrane prepared by small particle exhibits smaller pore size and a narrower pore size distribution. The smallest average pore size is 0.11 μm and approximately 90% of the measured pores fall within the most probable pore-size interval. The moisture recovery flux is 1.81 kg·m⁻²·h⁻¹ while the moisture recovery rate is 70.5%. This study indicates the feasibility of the low-cost ceramic membrane with concentrated pore size distribution for the application of flue gas moisture recovery.

The simultaneous production of electricity and freshwater via solar energy offers a promising approach to addressing global energy and water challenges.