Solar-Driven Dual-Function Membranes for Water-Energy Security in Arid Regions

Arid regions such as Saudi Arabia face intersecting challenges of severe water scarcity and the urgent need for energy diversification. Conventional desalination remains essential but is highly energy-intensive, environmentally burdensome, and dependent on fossil fuels. Simultaneously, achieving a sustainable energy transition demands scalable renewable hydrogen technologies. Addressing these dual challenges requires disruptive, integrated solutions.
This research proposes the development of solar-driven dual-function membranes that couple sustainable water desalination with photocatalytic hydrogen generation in a single platform. The membranes are engineered by embedding nanostructured photocatalysts into bio-derived, microporous supports such as cellulose acetate obtained from agricultural residues. This integration enables simultaneous solar-driven water purification and hydrogen evolution, while leveraging local resources for cost-effectiveness and circular economy alignment.
The study will apply a multidisciplinary approach encompassing advanced material synthesis, structural optimization, and performance assessment under simulated solar conditions. Critical evaluation will focus on desalination efficiency, hydrogen yield, energy balance, and long-term stability. Beyond laboratory validation, the project envisions pilot-scale deployment in Saudi desalination plants and industrial wastewater facilities, creating a pathway for technology transfer and entrepreneurial commercialization.
Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, this innovation advances water security, supports the Kingdom’s green hydrogen economy, and fosters circular economy practices through waste valorization. By merging water purification and renewable energy generation, the proposed dual-function membranes offer a transformative contribution to sustainable resource management in arid regions, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in next-generation clean technologies.