Conjugated photothermal materials and structure design for solar steam generation

Abstract

With the development of solar steam generation (SSG) for clean water production, conjugated photothermal materials (PTMs) have attracted significant interest because of their advantages over metallic and inorganic PTMs in terms of high light absorption, designable molecular structures, flexible morphology, and solution processability. We review here the recent progress in solar steam generation devices based on conjugated organic materials. Conjugated organic materials are processed into fibers, membranes, and porous structures. Therefore, nanostructure design based on the concept of nanoarchitectonics is crucial to achieve high SSG efficiency. We discuss the considerations for designing SSG absorbers and describe commonly used conjugated organic materials and structural designs.

Recycling of waste coffee grounds as a photothermal material modified with ZnCl2 for water purification

“…On the synthesis side, there is a drive to create PTMs using techniques that are cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally friendly. Mechanochemical synthesis is a recent development that shows promise in this regard 19 . Material design strategies focus on maximizing light absorption efficiency and controlling thermal properties to optimize heat transfer for the desired application.…”

“…Solar steam generation has emerged as a promising technology for sustainable applications like desalination, sterilization, and industrial process heating. It harnesses sunlight to heat water and produce steam, offering a clean alternative to fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions 19 . Traditionally, this technology relied on concentrated solar power (CSP) systems.…”

“…This approach offers a simpler and potentially more cost-effective solution for various applications 21 . Ongoing research focuses on optimizing PTM design to maximize light absorption, minimize heat loss, and achieve efficient steam generation under varying operating conditions 19 , 22 . Additionally, researchers are exploring integrating these systems with nanotechnology for further efficiency improvements 22 .…”

Enhanced Photothermal Property of NDI-Based Conjugated Polymers by Copolymerization with a Thiadiazolobenzotriazole Unit

“…In recent years, various photothermal materials, such as carbon-based materials, metals, and inorganic semiconducting materials, have been studied and utilized in SSG. − These materials greatly improved the efficiency of the photothermal energy conversion. Organic π-conjugated molecules are also promising for SSG devices because of their tunable bandgap and strong absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) region. − Hence, they are regarded as a novel category of photothermal substances. For example, Wang et al synthesized three small molecules based on the common diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) dye as the core unit .…”

D-A-Type Molecules with Free Rotors for Highly Efficient Interfacial Solar-Driven Steam Generation and Thermoelectric Performance

“…As the key part, the dual-functional material plays the role of “one stone for two birds”, i.e., solar energy absorber and photothermal converter, which is of great interest. Extensive research on developing high-performance absorbers has been performed, mainly examining carbon-based inorganic materials, metal-based inorganic materials, organic polymers, organic–inorganic hybrid materials, organic cocrystals, and purely organic small-molecule materials . Among them, organic small-molecule-based photothermal absorbers are attracting more attention due to their easy structural manipulation, finely tuned properties, and facile processability.…”