Surface Patterning of Two-Dimensional Nanostructure-Embedded Photothermal Hydrogels for High-Yield Solar Steam Generation.

ACS Nano
Yi LuXiaofei Yang

Abstract

Improving evaporation rate is extremely important to promote the application of solar steam generation in clean water production through seawater desalination. However, the theoretical evaporation rate limit of a normal two-dimensional (2D) photothermal evaporator is only about 1.46 kg m-2 h-1. While 3D evaporators can break the limit, they require much more raw materials. In this work, an effective approach for achieving high-yield solar steam generation via the synergy of 2D nanostructure-embedded all-in-one hybrid hydrogel evaporator and surface patterning is reported. This improved surface-patterned evaporator is able to simultaneously lower the enthalpy of vaporization and induce the Marangoni effect near the evaporation surface, thus delivering a high evaporation rate of 3.62 kg m-2 h-1, which is more than twice the theoretical limit of the normal 2D photothermal evaporator. This hybrid hydrogel offers a cost-effective and energy-efficient pathway to mitigate clean water shortages.

References

Aug 1, 1993·Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics·T OndarçuhuC Pérez-García
Dec 18, 2013·Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics·Toshihisa MunekataRyoji Asahi
Jan 31, 2017·Nature Nanotechnology·Guobin XueWanlin Guo
Mar 25, 2017·ACS Nano·Renyuan LiPeng Wang
Aug 16, 2017·Accounts of Chemical Research·Sudip ChakrabortyPrabal K Maiti
Apr 4, 2018·Nature Nanotechnology·Fei ZhaoGuihua Yu
Mar 12, 2019·Advanced Materials·Qinglang MaHua Zhang
Oct 22, 2019·Accounts of Chemical Research·Xingyi ZhouGuihua Yu
May 1, 2020·Nature Communications·Tianzhu ZhouQunfeng Cheng

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.