Interface Engineering of a Ti₄O₇ Nanofibrous Membrane for Efficient Solar-Driven Evaporation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Solar-driven interfacial evaporation is a sustainable method for freshwater production.
• Current materials face limitations in evaporation rate and solar-to-heat conversion efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel Ti4O7 membrane with enhanced photothermal and electrothermal effects for improved solar evaporation.
• To engineer the membrane interface and thermal insulation for optimal performance.

Main Methods:

• A straightforward in situ approach was used to synthesize the Ti4O7 membrane.
• Interface engineering involved hydrophobic modification and addition of a thermal insulation layer.
• Performance was evaluated under one-sun irradiation with applied voltage compensation.

Main Results:

• The optimized self-floating Ti4O7 membrane exhibited excellent sunlight absorbability and conductivity.
• A high evaporation rate of 7.51 kg m-2 h-1 was achieved.
• The membrane demonstrated efficient salt ion rejection, producing WHO-standard potable water.

Conclusions:

• The novel Ti4O7 membrane offers a significant advancement in solar-driven water desalination.
• Synergistic photothermal and electrothermal effects, coupled with interface engineering, enhance evaporation efficiency.
• This technology presents a promising and sustainable solution for global freshwater scarcity.