The Biochar Derived from Carp for High-Efficiency Solar Steam Generation and Water Purification

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Engineering
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Solar steam generation is crucial for clean water production but faces challenges like high cost and low efficiency.
• Existing solar steam generators often suffer from poor thermal performance and short lifespans, limiting practical use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, cost-effective, and high-efficiency solar steam generation material.
• To investigate the potential of meat and bonemeal biochar (MBB) for solar-driven water purification.

Main Methods:

• Meat and bonemeal biochar (MBB) was produced by pyrolyzing dead carp at different temperatures (300, 400, 500°C) under anoxic conditions.
• The solar steam generation performance of MBB, particularly MBB500, was evaluated under simulated solar irradiation (1 sun).
• The material's optical properties (photon trapping) and water transport capabilities (hydrophilic pore structure, capillary force) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• MBB500 exhibited excellent photon trapping, reaching 97% in UV-Vis and 84.1% in near-infrared regions.
• The material demonstrated a high water evaporation rate of 1.48 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ and an apparent energy conversion efficiency of 131.2%.
• MBB500 effectively purified seawater and removed heavy metals from wastewater.

Conclusions:

• Meat and bonemeal biochar (MBB) is a promising, sustainable photo-thermal material for efficient solar steam generation.
• The developed MBB offers a new strategy for producing advanced materials for pure water regeneration.
• This technology holds significant potential for practical applications in desalination and wastewater treatment.