Performance Investigation of Solar Stills for Small-Scale Freshwater Demand in Rural Communities in México: Economic and Environmental Analysis

Desalination techniques, especially solar water distillation, present a viable solution for tackling freshwater scarcity and purifying contaminated water. However, the limited output of solar stills is a challenge for their broad application. To improve solar stills’ efficiency, various enhancements have been tested, such as employing interfacial vapor generation and phase change materials. This chapter discusses the evolution of a double-sloped solar still enhanced with these materials to boost water production. The study concentrates on a specific endeavor to create an affordable, sustainable solar desalination system in Guanajuato, in line with Sustainable Development Goals 6 and 7. By refining the evaporation system with porous and absorbent substances like cellulose combined with Biochar and polymer, notable progress in interfacial vapor generation was made. Testing various materials in a prototype showed that integrating a phase change material and interfacial vapor generation material significantly increased the production rate to up to 5.84 L/day of drinkable water. This research aids in advancing sustainable solar desalination technologies, which are crucial for addressing global water scarcity, particularly in sun-rich areas like Guanajuato.