Hydro4F

Next-generation hydrogels for water desalination processes of the future

The Hydro4F project seeks to develop sustainable water purification technologies by combining advanced hydrogel systems with solar and electrochemical desalination methods. It focuses on designing hybrid synthetic–biopolymer hydrogels integrated with photothermal materials (PTMs) to create efficient, reusable solar-driven evaporators (SDEs) for freshwater production from brackish sources, optimizing hydrophobic–hydrophilic balance and minimizing energy losses. In parallel, the project advances capacitive deionization (CDI) through the development of charged superabsorbent hydrogels that act as ion-exchange membranes in customized modular CDI cells to improve ion separation and filtration efficiency. Complementary theoretical simulations will support experimental work by elucidating hydrogel–water–salt interactions, guiding the molecular design of materials.

Agency: Agencia Estatal De Investigacion PID2024-157005OB-I00

Principal Investigator: Prof. Elaine Armelin and Prof. Joan Torras