A desalination and brine treatment apparatus (100) includes a support (120) and at least one evaporator component (122) in contact with the support (120), wherein one or more of the support (120) and the evaporator component (122) include mesh (150). Methods of desalination and brine treatment are provided for removing salt (196) from saltwater (102) utilizing energy such as solar energy (104).

The present invention relates to a composite comprising a polymer matrix, graphene and at least one thermally conductive inorganic filler, wherein the graphene and the at least one thermally conductive inorganic filler are dispersed within the polymer matrix. The composites have high thermal conductivities and are particularly useful in solar thermal collectors and other heat exchangers.