Moisture Adsorption–Desorption Behaviour in Nanocomposite Copolymer Films

Abstract

Dehumidifying air via refrigerant cooling method consumes a tremendous amount of energy. Independent humidity control systems using desiccants have been introduced to improve energy efficiency. This research aimed to find an alternative to the commonly used solid desiccant, silica gel, which has weak physical adsorption properties. It also aimed to overcome the limitation of liquid desiccants that may affect indoor air quality and cause corrosion. This study reports on the synthesis of poly(vinyl alcohol-co-acrylic acid), P(VA-AA), through solution polymerisation by hydrolysing poly(vinyl acetate-co-acrylic acid), P(VAc-AA). This viable copolymer was then incorporated with graphene oxide (GO) at different concentrations (0 wt.%, 0.5 wt.%, 2 wt.% and 5 wt.%) to enhance the adsorption–desorption process. The samples were tested for their ability to adsorb moisture at different levels of relative humidity (RH) and their capability to maintain optimum sorption capacity over 10 repeated cycles. The nanocomposite film with 2% GO, P(VA-AA)/GO2, exhibited the highest moisture sorption capacity of 0.2449 g/g for 60–90% RH at 298.15 K, compared to its pristine copolymer, which could only adsorb 0.0150 g/g moisture. The nanocomposite desiccant demonstrated stable cycling stability and superior desorption in the temperature range of 318.15–338.15 K, with up to 88% moisture desorption.