In Situ MXene Anchored Structure for Highly Durable Solar Steam Generation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Interfacial solar steam generation is a promising technology for freshwater production.
• Developing robust evaporators with high solar absorption and durability is crucial for practical applications.
• Existing methods face challenges in achieving mechanical stability under extreme conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel light-assisted strategy for in situ preparation of a robust evaporator for solar steam generation.
• To enhance the mechanical properties and solar absorption capabilities of the evaporator.
• To evaluate the performance and durability of the developed evaporator for freshwater harvesting.

Main Methods:

• A light-assisted strategy was employed to prepare a Ti3C2Tx MXene anchored structure (MXAS).
• The mechanical properties (compressive strength) and solar absorption of the MXAS were characterized.
• The solar steam generation performance and durability were tested under simulated solar irradiation, including in seawater.

Main Results:

• The prepared MXAS exhibited superior mechanical properties with a compressive strength of 78.47 MPa.
• Light irradiation effectively enlarged the interlayer spacing of MXene, enhancing solar absorption.
• The evaporator achieved a high steam generation rate of 2.48 kg m-2 h-1 and 89.3% efficiency under one sun, with long-term durability in seawater.

Conclusions:

• The light-assisted strategy successfully created a robust and highly efficient solar evaporator.
• The MXAS demonstrates significant potential for practical freshwater harvesting applications, even in harsh environments.
• This work offers valuable insights for designing high-performance solar water evaporation systems.