Solar-driven interfacial evaporation: materials design and device assembly

Abstract

Solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SIE) is an emerging research topic that is gaining attention due to its potential in addressing global water scarcity issues. This review provides a comprehensive overview of base materials, recent innovations in photothermal materials and the design of evaporators for effective water desalination and purification. The recent development of SIE is meticulously discussed, providing a deep understanding of the key performance indicators and state-of-the-art materials. Additionally, this review examines novel strategies that have been reported in the literature for enhancing the efficiency and scalability of SIE systems. These strategies involve using photothermal materials and exploring innovative device configurations. Finally, we discuss the existing challenges and future research directions, emphasizing the potential of SIE in addressing global water scarcity and contributing to a sustainable future.

Flexible Photothermal Membrane Based on PVA/Carbon Dot Hydrogel Films for High-Performance Interfacial Solar Evaporation

“…Additionally, mechanical properties such as toughness and tensile strength are still challenges and crucial for long-term stability, resisting mechanical damage during handling, installation, or exposure to environmental stresses caused by fluctuating temperature and pressure during evaporation. 39 Meanwhile, excellent flexibility and elasticity can maintain structural integrity in solar evaporation applications, where thermal expansion, wind, and structural movements are common. In one notable investigation, despite achieving an impressive evaporation rate, the CuS/bacterial cellulose hybrid gel membrane has a breaking elongation of only 50%, making it susceptible to destruction.…”

“…However, the fabrication of this hydrogel material involved complex procedures and the use of toxic cross-linking agents. Additionally, mechanical properties such as toughness and tensile strength are still challenges and crucial for long-term stability, resisting mechanical damage during handling, installation, or exposure to environmental stresses caused by fluctuating temperature and pressure during evaporation . Meanwhile, excellent flexibility and elasticity can maintain structural integrity in solar evaporation applications, where thermal expansion, wind, and structural movements are common.…”