> The technology works by adding the compound diamine to saltwater. The type of diamine used is CO2-responsive, meaning that the substance’s behaviour can be controlled when it comes into contact with CO2. The diamine binds with the added CO2 and thereafter acts as a sponge to absorb the salt, which can then be separated. The entire process takes 1-10 minutes. Once the CO2 is removed, the salt is released again – allowing for the chemicals to be reused for several more rounds of desalination.<p>This article leaves a lot to be desired.<p>There is no compound called "diamine." Diamines are a class of compounds. Without knowing which one is being used, there's not much of a discussion to be had. We can say nothing about practicality or environmental impact, not to mention a host of other issues.<p>What may be happening here is the formation of a dicarboxamide, which then does something. That carboxamide formation is not likely to be reversible at room temperature.<p>The article has no link to the primary paper, where issues like this could readily be addressed, and there is absolutely no excuse to ever neglect to do so in 2020.
This is pretty cool. I do organic synthesis in the lab right next to Jiwoong Lee, two of my good friends work on this project. It is not as amazing as the article makes it sound. Though low in energy it needs pressure and no one wants to drink the "diamine" compound, so added energy to remove this is needed. Give it 10-15 years.
This is the original press release including video clip <a href="https://news.ku.dk/all_news/2020/09/chemist-uses-co2-to-convert-seawater-into-drinking-water/" rel="nofollow">https://news.ku.dk/all_news/2020/09/chemist-uses-co2-to-conv...</a>
How bio-active is the diamine, and how much remains in the potable water?<p>What happens to the CO2 afterward, if the salt is released? If this doesn't bind the CO2 permanently then its only about water desal. If it bound the CO2 it has dual-purpose.
Am I wrong or the technology can be used one day to create Stillsuit (<a href="https://dune.fandom.com/wiki/Stillsuit" rel="nofollow">https://dune.fandom.com/wiki/Stillsuit</a>) as described in Dune by Frank Herbert?
More info from the Danish company that is commercializing this process: <a href="https://www.cowatech.dk/technology" rel="nofollow">https://www.cowatech.dk/technology</a><p>> Currently, the CowaTech technology is at technology readiness level (TRL) 2-3.
Can't post this link to Facebook as they ban this site ineffableisland.com.<p>Here is the reason:<p>"This URL goes against our Community Standards on spam:
ineffableisland.com"
I know I am way oversimplifying this. Last week I made a trip to sand hill road and had some fun. My most interesting takeaway from the trip wasn't any of those meetings, it was the many signs along I-5 between LA and SF. Yall need water, bad. I hope this is a potential solution.