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Carbonized Bark by Laser Treatment for Efficient Solar-Driven Interface Evaporation.
Zejia Zhao1, Guozhi Jia1, Yanling Liu1
1School of Science, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China.
ACS Omega
|June 23, 2020
Summary
Phoenix tree bark is converted into a carbonized material for solar-driven water purification. This low-cost, renewable material achieves high evaporation efficiency, producing safe drinking water and purifying wastewater.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Solar thermal energy conversion at interfaces is a key technology for water treatment, particularly in water-scarce regions.
- Phoenix tree bark offers a sustainable, low-cost, and renewable resource for developing advanced materials.
- Existing methods for solar water purification face challenges in efficiency and scalability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an efficient and cost-effective solar-driven water purification system using modified phoenix tree bark.
- To investigate the structural and photothermal properties of carbonized phoenix tree bark for enhanced evaporation.
- To evaluate the performance of the developed system for producing potable water and treating wastewater.
Main Methods:
- Phoenix tree bark was carbonized using controlled laser treatment to create a double-layer film with broadened pores.
- The photothermal conversion ability and water transport channels of the modified bark were optimized.
- Evaporation efficiency was measured under simulated solar irradiation (1 sun).
- The quality of the purified water was assessed by measuring electrical resistance and ion concentrations.
- The system's performance was tested using dye wastewater.
Main Results:
- The carbonized bark exhibited an efficient light absorption structure and improved steam escape channels.
- The double-layer film achieved a solar evaporation efficiency of 74% under 1 sun irradiation.
- The distilled water met international drinking water standards, showing high electrical resistance (9.65 MΩ) and low ion content.
- The material demonstrated effective purification of dye wastewater through solar evaporation.
Conclusions:
- Laser-treated phoenix tree bark is a viable, low-cost material for efficient solar water purification.
- The developed technology offers a sustainable and clean approach for addressing water scarcity and pollution.
- This method provides a promising new direction for practical solar thermal energy-driven water treatment systems.
