A review on recent developments of solar stills to enhance productivity using nanoparticles and nano-PCM

Employing phase change material (PCM) as a productivity-enriching medium in solar stills is the best source of storing the heat for a longer period in recent years. Few researchers incorporated the nanoparticles into PCM to examine the effect of nanoparticles on the productivity of a solar still. The current paper reviews the characteristic features of nanoparticles and the recent developments in the usage of nano-based PCM and pure nanoparticles as a thermal storage medium in solar stills. Nano-employed PCM is also being attracted and dragging the attention to increase the main key barrier of low thermal conductivity of PCM in industrial and household applications due to its higher solidification and melting rates. Merits of using nanoparticles and PCM with nanoparticles are presented in the article from the apex of its positive properties on solar stills for their improvement in thermal performance. Further, it showcases the use of pure nanoparticles and nanoparticles integrated with PCM which helps in increasing the PCM thermal conductivity when compared to base fluids and has been chosen as the best suitable technique (Nanoparticles) for increasing still productivity. The development of this review paper focuses on the enrichment of thermal energy capabilities of PCM using nanoparticles (or) nanocomposites that would afford to attain high productivity and improved thermal performance by different comparisons for a better understanding.