Experimental investigation of porous carbon for cooling and desalination applications

This study investigates the enhancement of adsorption cooling and desalination system performance using modified activated carbon Maxsorb III (Max) as an adsorbent. Max was treated with HCl and then activated with ammonium carbonate ((NH₄)₂CO₃). Characterization methods, including XRD, N₂ and water adsorption isotherms, and water adsorption kinetics, were conducted. Experimental values were fitted with the Dubinin & Astakhov equilibrium model and the linear driving force model. Max/(NH₄)₂CO₃ achieved a water uptake of 0.53 kgH₂O.kg⁻¹, producing 13.2 m³.ton⁻¹ freshwater per day with a specific cooling power of 373 W.kg⁻¹ and 0.63 COP. With heat recovery, freshwater production increased to 22.5 m³.ton⁻¹ per day. These results show the potential of Max in dual cooling and desalination applications, surpassing the performance of silica gel.

Ahmed S. Alsaman, M. Salem Ahmed, E. M. M. Ibrahim, Ehab S. Ali, A. M. Farid, Ahmed A. Askalany