MgCl2-silica gel mixture as a sustainable liquid desiccant for humidity control

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Energy Reports

Abstract

Despite the growing demand for efficient dehumidification systems, limited research has explored the potential of magnesium chloride (MgCl2) combined with silica gel as a composite liquid desiccant. The primary objective of this study is to systematically investigate and quantify the dehumidification performance enhancement achieved by incorporating silica gel (10 % and 20 % by weight) into MgCl2 solution under varying operational conditions. Specifically, this work aims to: (1) evaluate the hygroscopic properties and moisture absorption capacity of MgCl2-silica gel composits compared to pure MgCl2, (2) determine the optimal operating parameters including air velocity (5–7 m/s) and desiccant flow rates (1–3 LPM), and (3) establish relationship between silica gel concentarion and dehumidification efficinency. The key contribution of this research is the development and performance characterization of a novel MgCl2-silica gel composite liquid desiccant that demonstrates significantly enhanced moisture removal capabilities. Experimental results reveal that MgCl2+ 20 % silica gel achieves the highest moisture removal (ΔW=0.00196 kg/kg) at 2 LPM flow rate, representing a substantial improvement over pure MgCl2. At optimal air velocity (7 m/s), the composite desiccant achieves a moisture removal rate of 0.00110 kg/s, a 22 % enhancement over pure MgCl2. The dehumidification efficiency ranges from 35 % at 5 m/s to 41.5 % at 7 m/s, with the 20 % silica gel composite showing 22 % higher efficiency than pure MgCl2 at maximum air velocity. For desiccant flow rates, peak efficiency of 67 % is achieved at 2 LPM. This study makes a significant contribution to the field by demonstrating that silica gel incorporation creates a synergistic effect, where the high surface area and porosity of silica gel complement the hygroscopic properties of MgCl2, resulting in enhanced moisture absorption across broader humidity ranges. The findings provide a foundation for developing more sustainable and energy-efficient liquid desiccant systems for air conditioning applications, addressing both environmental and economic sustainability goals.

First Page

998

Last Page

1007

DOI

10.1016/j.egyr.2025.07.025

Publication Date

12-1-2025

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