Thermomorphic Hydrophilicity Base-Induced Precipitation for Effective Descaling of Hypersaline Brines

This study presents a novel technology, termed thermomorphic hydrophilicity base-induced precipitation (THBIP), for the effective removal of hardness ions from hypersaline brines with high-scaling propensity. THBIP utilizes thermoresponsive amine bases controlled scaling constituents in alkaline conditions and subsequently uses low-temperature heat to trigger phase separation aqueous solution, thus enabling reuse base. Three amines exhibiting distinct water solubility basicity, specifically, diisopropylamine (DIPA), N-ethylcyclohexylamine (ECHA), N,N-dimethylisopropylamine (DMIPA), were examined identify key parameters affecting performance. The added solutions containing ions, Mg2+ or Ca2+, induce hydroxide minerals (i.e., Mg(OH)2(s) Ca(OH)2(s)). All three are increasing solution pH, leading high removals over 90%. But because Ca(OH)2(s) is relatively more soluble, only DIPA, which both highly miscible also strongest base, obtained significant Ca2+ (>33%). observed quantitatively consistent principles chemistry. Using simulated feedwater (240 g/L total dissolved solids) propensity, DIPA achieved ?80% removal. Subsequent elevation temperature 15 70 °C triggered demixing base enable liquid–liquid reuse. demonstrates proof-of-concept using as an alternative strategy effectively reduce potential brines.