Scientists turn seawater into fresh water without harmful brine

Researchers at the University of Rochester created a solar desalination system based on black metal treated with a femtosecond laser. It evaporates water without liquid brine, extracts nearly 100% of salts in solid form, and allows lithium extraction. Tests were conducted on real water from the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.

• Laser treatment makes metal super-absorbent and nearly fully absorbs sunlight
• Salts are removed to a passive zone of the panel without reducing desalination efficiency
• System extracts about 100% of dissolved salts in solid form instead of brine
• Byproduct minerals can be used, including lithium for batteries