Bioinspired Pyramidal Array Photothermal Structure for Highly Efficient Water Evaporation under Omnidirectional...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Environmental Engineering

Background:

• Solar-driven interfacial evaporation is a sustainable solution for freshwater scarcity.
• Developing efficient photothermal materials for omnidirectional light remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a 3D multiscale pyramidal array photothermal structure (PAPS) for enhanced solar water evaporation.
• To evaluate the evaporation performance of PAPS under various illumination conditions.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 3D multiscale pyramidal array photothermal structure (PAPS) using a facile milling process in a porous foam matrix.
• Utilizing hybrid photothermal materials (Cu₂O/C) at the nanoscale.
• Testing evaporation rates under direct, inclined, and convective conditions.

Main Results:

• PAPS achieved an evaporation rate of 2.08 kg/m²h under direct sunlight, 24% higher than planar structures.
• Maintained 1.72 kg/m²h at a 45° light angle, with only a 17% decrease.
• Demonstrated a high evaporation rate of 6.29 kg/m²h under simulated wind conditions (3 m/s).

Conclusions:

• The PAPS exhibits superior solar water evaporation efficiency under omnidirectional illumination.
• This structure offers potential for stable solar desalination in variable environments.
• The design provides a promising pathway for efficient freshwater generation.