Airflow Enhanced Solar Evaporation Based on Janus Graphene Membranes with Stable Interfacial Floatability

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Environmental Engineering

Background:

• Solar interfacial evaporation is a key technology for water treatment and power generation.
• Enhancing evaporation rates typically involves optimizing photothermal materials and structures.
• The effect of airflow on evaporation efficiency has been underexplored due to membrane stability concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of airflow on solar interfacial evaporation.
• To develop a stable photothermal membrane capable of withstanding airflow.
• To enhance solar interfacial evaporation performance through a novel Janus membrane design.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a graphene-based Janus membrane using laser-induced graphene (LIG) and O2 plasma treatment.
• Creating distinct hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces on the membrane.
• Testing the membrane's performance under solar irradiation and airflow conditions.

Main Results:

• Achieved a high water evaporation rate of 1.512 kg m^-2 h^-1.
• Demonstrated stable interfacial floatability of the Janus membrane under airflow.
• Attributed performance enhancement to combined microscale water transport, nanoscale light trapping, and the Janus membrane's unique properties.

Conclusions:

• The developed graphene-based Janus membrane effectively enhances solar interfacial evaporation via airflow.
• This approach offers a promising pathway for high-performance solar evaporation devices.
• The study highlights the importance of considering airflow in designing efficient solar energy conversion systems.