Tailoring Aerogels and Related 3D Macroporous Monoliths for Interfacial Solar Vapor Generation

Abstract

Interfacial solar vapor generation is emerging as a promising water treatment technology with high solar energy efficiency and minimized carbon footprint. Among various kinds of materials development, aerogels, with inherent high porosity, lightweight, enhanced absorption, and minimized thermal conductivity, are attracting significant attention for achieving high‐performance solar vapor generation. Herein, recent progress in tailoring aerogels (such as graphene [oxide], carbon nanotubes, and polymer aerogels) and related 3D macroporous architectures for interfacial solar vapor generation is presented. Furthermore, the challenges and opportunities associated with employing aerogels in solar vapor generation are also discussed.

Low-cost and scalable carbon bread used as an efficient solar steam generator with high performance for water desalination and purification

“…[2][3][4][5] Based on this technology, an interfacial evaporation approach has been developed recently, which selectively heats the evaporative portion of water near the surface of the evaporator instead of the entire bulk water. [6][7][8][9][10] Therefore, this approach could avoid volumetric heating, minimize the solar-thermal material used, and accelerate the evaporation process. 6 In the solar interfacial evaporation system, solar-thermal materials play a crucial role and an ideal absorber should satisfy several characteristics: strong and broadband light absorption, porosity, wettability, low costs and mechanical strength.…”

Tillandsia‐Inspired Hygroscopic Photothermal Organogels for Efficient Atmospheric Water Harvesting

“…As illustrated in the Figure 4a,t he POG can generate al arge amount of thermal energy because of its superior photo-tothermal conversion and localize it on the surface,t hus providing sufficient energy to break interactions between water and the POG for efficient water desorption. [18] Compared with the PHG,t he resulted POG could reach to ah igher temperature under the same solar irradiation attributing to smaller specific heat capacity of glycerin (Figure 4b). Thew ater desorption isobar of the hydrated POG at 30 %R.H.…”

Gel–Emulsion‐Templated Polymeric Aerogels for Water Treatment by Organic Liquid Removal and Solar Vapor Generation

“…[12] Recently,i tw as reportedt hat the introductiono fp orous materials( e.g.,c ellulose/polyurethane foams,xerogels, and graphene aerogels) can improvewater purification efficiency greatly in as olar evapora-tion process. [13][14][15] This is recognized to be ah ighlye fficient and energy-saving way to produce cleanw ater from saline water, [16][17][18] as solar energy is the most abundant and sustainable source of renewable and clean energy. [19] Although these advantages make solar evaporation ap romising technique for water purification, [20][21][22][23] the inapplicability of the methodf or volatile compounds restricts its application in complexw astewater treatment, [24] in which both organic and inorganic salts exist.…”