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Solar-Powered Interfacial Evaporation and Deicing Based on a 3D-Printed Multiscale Hierarchical Design.

Na Li¹, Ke Shao¹, Jintao He¹

¹College of Materials Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, P. R. China.

Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)

|April 22, 2023

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This study introduces 3D-printed aerogel solar steam generators that achieve high evaporation rates for clean water production. The innovative design also enables efficient photothermal de-icing applications.

Area of Science:

Materials Science
Renewable Energy
Nanotechnology

Background:

Solar-powered interfacial heating is a sustainable technology for various applications.
Conventional photothermal materials using aerogels, hydrogels, and sponges face fabrication and performance limitations.
Existing 3D structures hinder the maximization of performance-enhancing strategies in solar steam generation.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop monolithic, self-standing, and durable aerogel matrices for interfacial steam generators (SGs) using 3D printing.
To overcome the performance roadblocks of conventional photothermal materials.
To explore novel functions of hierarchical photothermal materials beyond water production.

Main Methods:

Composite photothermal inks were developed for ink-extrusion 3D printing.

Keywords:

clean water production interfacial steam generation photothermal deicing photothermal interfacial heating solar desalination

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Monolithic aerogel matrices with multiscale hierarchical structures were fabricated.

Hydrophobic modification and 3D-printed microchannels were incorporated for icephobic properties.

Main Results:

Achieved high water evaporation rates of 3.74 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ (calm air) and 25.3 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ (2 m s⁻¹ breeze) under 1 sun.
Demonstrated efficient solar-powered interfacial steam generation, ranking among the best.
Exhibited self-propelled and rapid removal of ice droplets due to the icephobic surface.

Conclusions:

Rational fabrication of hierarchical photothermal materials via 3D printing breaks constraints in solar steam generation and clean water production.
The developed aerogel matrices offer a versatile platform for advanced photothermal applications.
New functions for photothermal interfacial de-icing were discovered, highlighting the material's potential.