Membrane and Water Treatment

Volume 16, Number 2, 2025, pages 95-100

DOI: 10.12989/mwt.2025.16.2.095

The effect of temperature, ion valency, and solvent reuse on the solvent extraction desalination

Gyeong-soo Kim, Oh Kyung Choi, Gyu Dong Kim, Jae Woo Lee and Doo-il Kim

Abstract

This study investigates the performance of solvent extraction desalination (SED) using three amine solvents DPA, DIPA, and DBA under various temperature and ion valency conditions. The results revealed that reaction and separation temperatures significantly influenced water recovery and salt removal efficiencies. DIPA demonstrated the highest water recovery, while DPA exhibited superior salt removal efficiency. Mg2⁺ was effectively removed through a precipitation mechanism, distinct from the polarity-driven removal of sodium chloride. Additionally, reuse experiments over nine cycles showed stable performance in water recovery and salt removal, emphasizing the economic and operational feasibility of SED. These findings highlight the adaptability and potential of SED as a membrane-free desalination technology for high-brine scenarios, offering a sustainable alternative for seawater and brine treatment.

Key Words

amine solvents (DPA, DIPA, DBA); magnesium ion (Mg2⁺) removal; solvent extraction desalination; salt removal efficiency; solvent reuse; water recovery efficiency

Address

Gyeong-soo Kim and Doo-il Kim: Civil and Environmental Engineering, Dankook University, 152, Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, 16890, Republic of Korea Oh Kyung Choi: Bio Resource Center, Institute for Advanced Engineering, 175-28, Goan-ro, Baegam-myeon, Cheoin-gu, Yongin 17180, Republic of Korea Gyu Dong Kim: Technology Advancement & Commercialization, RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27713, USA Jae Woo Lee: Environmental Engineering, Korea University, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, Republic of Korea