Side Area-Assisted 3D Evaporator with Antibiofouling Function for Ultra-Efficient Solar Steam Generation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Solar-driven interfacial steam generation (SISG) offers a sustainable solution for water scarcity.
• Current SISG systems face limitations in evaporation rate and operational lifespan due to fouling.
• Addressing these limitations is crucial for the practical implementation of SISG technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel SISG system with improved evaporation efficiency and extended working life.
• To investigate a new 3D porous foam evaporator design.
• To explore the dual functionality of a solar absorber for photothermal conversion and biofouling prevention.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an all-fiber porous cylinder-like foam 3D evaporator.
• Implementation of a side area-assisted evaporation protocol.
• Utilizing an aggregation-induced-emission-active solar absorber for photothermal conversion and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.

Main Results:

• Achieved a high solar evaporation rate of 3.6 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ under 1 sun irradiation.
• Demonstrated effective photodynamic killing of bacteria via ROS production by the solar absorber.
• Successfully prevented biofouling, leading to an improved working life of the evaporator.

Conclusions:

• The developed SISG system overcomes key limitations of existing technologies.
• The novel evaporator design and dual-function solar absorber show significant promise for efficient and durable water generation.
• This approach offers a viable eco-friendly and low-cost solution to water shortages.