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Updated: Oct 5, 2025

Asymmetric Thermoelectrochemical Cell for Harvesting Low-grade Heat under Isothermal Operation
Published on: February 5, 2020
Developing Flexible Quinacridone-Derivatives-Based Photothermal Evaporaters for Solar Steam and Thermoelectric Power
Meihua Shen1, Xinpeng Zhao2, Lu Han3
1Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology Ministry of Education Engineering Research Center of Forest Bio-Preparation College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, 26 Hexing Road, Harbin, 150040, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Solar-driven interfacial vaporization by localizing solar-thermal energy conversion to the air-water interface has attracted tremendous attention. In the process of converting solar energy into heat energy, photothermal materials play an essential role. Herein, a flexible solar-thermal material di-cyan substituted 5,12-dibutylquinacridone (DCN-4CQA)@Paper was developed by coating photothermal quinacridone derivatives on the cellulose paper. The DCN-4CQA@Paper combines desired chemical and physical properties, broadband light-absorbing, and shape-conforming abilities that render efficient photothermic vaporization. Notably, synergetic coupling of solar-steam and solar-electricity technologies by integrating DCN-4CQA@Paper and the thermoelectric devices is realized without trade-offs, highlighting the practical consideration toward more impactful solar heat exploitation. Such solar distillation and low-grade heat-to-electricity generation functions can provide potential opportunities for fresh water and electricity supply in off-grid or remote areas.
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