ENTANGLE- thErmoplasmonic quaNtum maTerials-enhanced seawAter miniNG for circular bLue Economy

Thermoplasmonics, or the thermal heating resulting from plasmonic excitation in metal nanostructures, leverages light irradiation to create and control nanoscale thermal hotspots. Recently, photothermal membrane distillation technology has been developed to harness thermoplasmonic effects for efficient seawater desalination.

The ENTANGLE project aims to extend this technology to seawater mining, capitalizing on the unique electronic and physicochemical properties of quantum materials. By engineering their band structures, ENTANGLE will enhance the light-to-heat conversion efficiency of these materials. The new plasmonic platform, featuring a broad excitation spectrum compatible with solar radiation, will enable the recovery of minerals from liquid wastes, such as hypersaline brines generated by desalination plants, aligning with the circular blue economy paradigm. Notably, the photothermal efficiency of topological materials is further stabilized by the robustness of plasmonic modes linked to topological electronic states.

Unlike traditional mining, which follows a linear economy model, ENTANGLE's innovative technology offers a sustainable approach to mineral recovery. It aims to reduce reliance on primary raw materials and decrease dependence on foreign sources for critical minerals, while promoting circularity in the supply chain.