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Steam generation through efficient utilization of solar energy is a promising technology in addressing the challenge of global freshwater shortage and water pollution. One of the biggest hurdles for traditional photothermal membranes to function continuously in a high temperature, high salt, and corrosive environment has been attributed to their rapid decline of mechanical properties. In this work, a highly efficient solar-driven interfacial water evaporation system has been developed via a polydopamine/carbon/silicon (PCS) composite membrane supported by a floating insulation foam substrate. A 3.1 fold increase in the water vaporization rate was recorded compared with the pure water system. The 2D-carbon nanolayer on the surface was successfully prepared by carbonizing low-cost linear polyethylene with a glass fiber (GF) membrane as the substrate, and then the carbon membrane was modified with dopamine to control water transport on the carbon coating and within the glass fiber. The PCS membrane has a high efficiency for solar steam generation owing to high optical absorption and has excellent solar thermal conversion capability. The evaporation rate and solar thermal conversion efficiency of the PCS membrane under simulated sunlight irradiation with 1 sun (1 kW·m–2) are 1.39 kg·m–2·h–1 and 80.4% respectively, which are significantly higher compared to GF membrane, carbon/silicon (CS) membrane, and pure water without a photothermal membrane. The water evaporation system retained high efficiency after 20 cycles under simulated sunlight irradiation of 1 sun. This study provides critical insight on the design and fabrication of a highly efficient and durable evaporation system.

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Scientific studies clearly link air pollution with adverse effects on human health, which includes reduction of cognitive abilities. Hence quality indoor air is essential in rapidly urbanizing societies. The aim of this research work is to develop anti-smog, air permeable, water-proof, and transparent window screens suitable for natural ventilation. For this purpose, we bonded polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanofibers on PET grids by electrospinning method with relative near spinning distance. During the process, the incomplete solvent evaporation of the collected jet could enhance the bonding of the PET nanofibers to the PET grids. The experimental results showed that the PET nanofibers had a thick deposition at the yarn edge of the PET grids, which also increased the bonding area between the PET nanofibers and the grids. At the same time, PET nanofibers had a thin deposition between the gaps of the PET grids, which not only increased the number of micron-nano-sized holes but also increased the light transmittance of the window screen. After filtration test for 5 h, the PM2.5 filtration efficiency of this anti-smog window screen was high as to 87% and the PET nanofiber window screen still maintained high light transmittance and superhydrophobicity. This research work is a promising way to prepare anti-smog window screens.