Thin Polymeric Nanoparticle Membrane Coupled With Photothermal Membrane for Unprecedented Solar-Driven VOCs Removal

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Engineering
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Solar-driven evaporation is vital for safe drinking water but challenged by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) evaporating faster than water.
• Effective removal of hazardous VOCs from water sources remains a critical global health and environmental concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient dual-layer solar evaporator for simultaneous separation and removal of VOCs from water.
• To enhance solar water purification technologies for producing safe drinking water.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a dual-layer solar evaporator integrating a hydrogen-bonding complexed polymer nanoparticle (HCPN) membrane with a photothermal membrane.
• The HCPN membrane selectively impedes VOC transport while allowing water passage.
• In situ growth of a photothermal layer to absorb solar energy and drive evaporation.

Main Results:

• Achieved a high water evaporation rate of 2.18 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ under 1 sun irradiation.
• Demonstrated over 98% rejection efficiency for volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Exhibited stable performance during 30-hour continuous operation and effectiveness under real sunlight.

Conclusions:

• The developed dual-layer solar evaporator offers unprecedented performance for VOC removal and water purification.
• This technology presents a promising, stable, and adaptable solution for generating safe drinking water, particularly in remote areas.
• The findings contribute to advancing sustainable water treatment methods using solar energy.