Efficient Solar‐Powered Interfacial Evaporation, Water Remediation, and Waste Conversion Based on a Tumbler‐Inspired, All‐Cellulose, and Monolithic Design

Abstract

The 3D steam generator with cold evaporation surface (CES) provides a means for high‐efficiency interfacial steam generation due to the low heat loss and continuous ambient energy input. However, the poor floating stability of CES steam generators when suffering wave slamming has limited their practical application in open water. Herein, a cellulose‐based monolithic aerogel integrated with three structural elements is developed inspired by tumblers, which can synchronously achieve outstanding antioverturning stability in waves and a high evaporation rate (4.21 kg m−2 h−1). A single‐stage solar water purification device is constructed based on the photothermal aerogel, which attains an ultra‐high daily water yield of ≈32.6 L m−2 and surpasses a large amount of single‐stage solar stills. The steam generator can also be used to purify wastewater containing Co2+ via adsorption. Gratifyingly, the Co3O4/C catalyst obtained from the pyrolysis of aerogels loaded with Co2+ exhibits good catalytic activity for carbon monoxide oxidation, demonstrating the potential for waste conversion. This work provides new insights into the design of solar steam generators used in open water, and offers a promising way for the disposal and utilization of contaminated steam generators after wastewater purification.

Marine biomass-derived, hygroscopic and temperature-responsive hydrogel beads for atmospheric water harvesting and solar-powered irrigation

“…The surface temperature of cl-SP beads showed a similar trend with the solar intensity. A maximum temperature of $45 C was observed at 13:00 when the sun showed the highest intensity (92 mW cm À2 ) and elevation angle (69 ). There was over 4 h (10:00-14:00) in the day when the ambient This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2022 temperature was higher than LCST (34.9 C) of the cl-SP beads.…”

“…7,33,34 Design of integrated AWG systems for energy-efficient, water-saving and self-sustaining agriculture is still beyond reach. Important questions on materials, devices and characterization remain elusive: (i) how to recycling and processing biomass and waste materials into high value-added products and to reuse them in agricultural operations; 39,68,69 (ii) how to realize sharp-controlled, mass and continuous fabrication of hybrid hygroscopic materials; [70][71][72][73] (iii) the lack of accurate and timely data to evaluate the water uptake of AWGs in day/night cycles and (iv) future design of AWGs is highly desired to allocate water sources, meeting varied water demands of plant's life cycles.…”

Recent Advances of Green Electricity Generation: Potential in Solar Interfacial Evaporation System

“…[ 24–26 ] This process exhibits significant importance in the realm of green renewable energy as it not only maximizes the utilization of solar resources but also addresses issues on freshwater scarcity and clean electricity provision. [ 27–29 ] By establishing a synergy between water and electricity via a photothermal interface evaporation, we can alleviate our dependence on conventional coal and nuclear energy sources. This approach not only mitigates greenhouse gas emissions but also fosters sustainable development.…”

Photothermal Aerogel Beads Based on Polysaccharides: Controlled Fabrication and Hybrid Applications in Solar-Powered Interfacial Evaporation, Water Remediation, and Soil Enrichment

“…Apart from the typical shapes (i.e., cylinders and cubes) of interfacial SGs, interest has been growing in the design of self-floating polymeric spheres on water bodies, leading to synergistic solar evaporation and water–solute separation. − So far, a majority of sphere-like SGs are based on solid particles and synthetic polymers (i.e., polystyrene). , In another context, the replacement of petroleum-derived plastics by biopolymers is becoming a priority in environmentally friendly fabrication of 3D SGs. − As an example, biopolymers belonging to the polysaccharide family constitute a potential research field due to their availability, biocompatibility, noncompetitive use, and low carbon footprint. , Furthermore, the multilevel-scale pores and fibers formed inside the polysaccharide-based aerogels and hydrogels can provide sufficient binding sites and high surface areas, delivering their rich functionalities to interact with many chemical components in water. − Notably, the use of several biopolymers (i.e., cellulose, alginate, and chitosan (CS)) has emerged in 3D SGs for hybrid wastewater purification via chemical reactions, adsorption, and coagulation. − Taking into account waste material disposal and reuse, biopolymer degradation is highly appreciated in many industrial sectors (i.e., food, feed, biofuels, and biochemicals) and also gains access to sustainable agriculture as soil conditioners and nutrient carriers . Despite the progress in clean water production, the rational design of biopolymer-based 3D SGs, and their hybrid applications in water remediation, waste conversion and environmental sustainability is still beyond reach.…”