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

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 MgCl_2. 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.