Dendritic Structure-Inspired Coating Strategy for Stable and Efficient Solar Evaporation of Salinity Brine

Abstract

Solar thermal evaporation has been widely used to tackle the problem of freshwater shortage. The strategy to improve the evaporative performance of solar thermal evaporation by simple and effective methods is still a challenge. Herein, a dendritic structure-inspired coating strategy based on the dendritic structure of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) colloids firmly grabbing titanium trioxide (Ti2O3) on the outer surface as a light-absorbing core–shell filler was prepared using the non-solvo-induced precipitation method. Such a core–shell structure was then coated on the PVA sponge to prepare the solar photothermal composite Ti2O3/PVA@PVA, which gave full play to the photothermal advantage of the filler itself and can be long-term stable. Meanwhile, a three-dimensional Ti2O3/PVA@PVA evaporator with an embossment-sawtooth structure was prepared, which enhances light absorption to 98% in the whole solar spectrum through folds. Under 1.0 solar irradiation, the evaporation rate reaches as high as 2.66 kg m–2 h–1 and the evaporator illustrates good stability in simulated seawater for 7 consecutive days. Such a design showed good salt resistance and self-cleaning ability and could be reliably used for seawater desalination. In addition, the evaporator illustrates good adsorption capacity for dye molecules and heavy metal ions. This work provides new insights into the development of simple, efficient, environmentally friendly, sustainable, and salt-resistant solar evaporators.

Versatile GO/ANFs Aerogel for Highly Efficient Solar-Powered Water Purification in Wide Environments

“…More importantly, even under complicated conditions, including real seawater and wastewater containing organic dyes, emulsions, and corrosive liquids, the GO/ANFs aerogel was still able to realize highly efficient clean water generation. Compared to other reported solar interface evaporators, − this work provides a new opportunity for the development of future generations of multifunctional evaporators for clean water production due to its integration of multiple functionalities, excellent overall performance, and broad adaptability to complex environments (see Table S1). It is hoped that this study might provide insights for the solution of the water scarcity problem and the development of seawater desalination, wastewater purification, and solar energy harvesting.…”

Cost Effective Photothermal Materials Selection for Direct Solar-Driven Evaporation

“…This solution, costing only $1.54 m –2 for the materials, boasts a high efficiency of 385% and an evaporation rate of 5.78 (L m –2 h –1 ) . Furthermore, certain researchers are embracing the biomimetic approaches inspired by nature, , such as the mangrove plant (Avicennia marina) and its leaf structure, to address salt management issues. This innovative strategy is crucial as rising seawater salinity poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems.…”

Gradient heating induced better balance among water transportation, salt resistance and heat supply in a high performance multi-functional solar-thermal desalination device

“…4,5 In line with the dual carbon concept (carbon peaking and carbon neutralization) for economic and ecological development, solar-driven desalination (SDD) to produce clean water has been regarded as a promising and sustainable solution to solve water scarcity. 6,7 The water evaporation rate, as one of the key factors of solardriven seawater desalination evaporation water flux, determines the water yield and whether it can be used in the actual environment. Recent research on SDD has focused on local heating at the water/air interface using photothermal materials with wide spectral absorption and high efficiency of photothermal conversion, including metal nanoparticles, semiconductors, carbon-based materials, etc.…”

“…4,5 In line with the dual carbon concept (carbon peaking and carbon neutralization) for economic and ecological development, solar-driven desalination (SDD) to produce clean water has been regarded as a promising and sustainable solution to solve water scarcity. 6,7…”