MXene/poly(ionic liquid) porous composite membranes for systematized solar-driven interfacial steam generation

Abstract

Herein, we established a synthetic route towards MXene/poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) composite porous membranes as a new platform of solar-thermal conversion materials. These membranes were made by a base-triggered ionic crosslinking process between a cationic PIL and a weak polyacid in solution in the presence of dispersed MXene nanosheets. A three-dimensionally interconnected porous architecture was formed with MXene nanosheets uniformly distributed within it. The unique characteristics of the as-produced composite membranes displays significant light-to-heat conversion and excellent performance for solar-driven water vapor generation. This facile synthetic strategy opens a new avenue for developing composite porous membranes as solar absorbers for the solar-driven water production from natural resources.

Ice-Assisted Porous Poly(ionic liquid)/MXene Composite Membranes for Solar Steam Generation

“…Although a fabrication method based on electrostatic cross-linking of a hydrophobic cationic PIL with a weak polyanion was developed previously to spawn a myriad of functional PPMs for demonstrative applications, PPMs with more controlled structure can be exploited to expand their applications specifically in the field of energy and environment as solar-driven materials with focus on pressing global issues, e.g., generation of clean water . Thus, based on the criteria of an ideal interfacial solar evaporator such as strong solar-to-thermal conversion, high thermal insulation on bulk water, porous structure to transfer water supply, and escape of produced vapors, the combination of PIL with other functional materials would provide a new dimension to broaden the actual application scope of PPCMs, which was previously less explored. − …”