Thermally conductive composites as polymer heat exchangers for water and energy recovery: From materials to products

Abstract

The growing demand for clean water and energy has driven efforts to make use of lost resources and energy in industrial processes. Conventional metal heat exchangers have some disadvantages, such as high production costs, easy fouling and corrosion in harsh environments, that limit their applications. In this review, we explore polymer heat exchangers as a promising alternative, emphasizing their advantages, such as corrosion resistance, anti-fouling properties, cost-effectiveness, and design flexibility. We first assess the strategies to improve the thermal conductivity of polymer composites based on filler types (e.g., metal, carbon, and ceramic based filles), their characteristics (e.g., loadings, sizes, and dimensions), and the fabrication techniques (e.g., the template method, and vacuum-assisted filtration). The thermal conduction mechanisms are discussed for better understanding the fundamentals behind the thermal conductivity improvement. We present the advancements of utilizing polymers to produce heat exchangers and some design options. We also summarize some potential applications of polymer heat exchangers for water and energy recovery. Finally, we offer some future research insights and directions to further improve the thermal conductivity and scale up the production of polymer composites. This review highlights the potential of polymer heat exchangers to contribute significantly to sustainable energy and water management solutions, emphasizing the need for continued research and development to fully maximize their benefits.