A Review on Solar Desalination Enhancement Using Paraffin Wax Phase Change Material Integrated with Wood Waste Nanomaterials

Climate change, industrial growth, and rising populations are all major factors contributing to the worsening problem of water scarcity worldwide. Solar desalination, which utilizes renewable resources and is kind to the environment, has become a viable solution. However, the performance of conventional solar stills is limited by variable sunlight and poor heat retention. Incorporating phase change materials (PCMs), especially paraffin wax, boosts the systems' efficiency and heat storage ability. Recent developments in nano-enhanced PCMs have made significant improvements in heat transfer and conductivity. Although metallic nanoparticles have significant promise, their expense and potential environmental effects limit their widespread use. On the other hand, bio-based nanomaterials made from wood waste offer a practical and sustainable option. This review examines the thermal properties, performance improvements, and future research paths regarding sustainable freshwater production utilizing nano-PCMs from wood waste in integrated solar desalination setups