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Plasmonic photothermal nanomaterials for solar steam generation
Yong Wang1,2, Guozhu Chen3, Mohamed Chaker1
1Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique 1650 Boulevard Lionel Boulet Varennes J3X 1P7 Canada dongling.ma@inrs.ca.
Chemical Science
|September 2, 2025
Summary
This review explores plasmonic nanomaterials (NMs) for solar steam generation, a sustainable method for water purification. It details NM advancements and applications, offering insights for efficient solar water purification technologies.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Solar steam generation offers a sustainable solution to global freshwater scarcity.
- Plasmonic photothermal nanomaterials (NMs) are highly efficient for solar energy conversion due to strong light-matter interactions.
- Understanding the plasmonic effect is crucial for developing advanced solar steam systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in plasmon-empowered nanomaterials for solar steam generation.
- To classify current solar steam generation systems and discuss performance-governing parameters.
- To highlight applications, challenges, and future research directions in plasmon-driven solar steam generation.
Main Methods:
- Fundamentals of the plasmonic effect are outlined.
- Solar steam generation systems are classified based on critical performance parameters.
- Advancements in plasmonic nanomaterials are summarized across five major classes: metals, metal nitrides, metal chalcogenides, metal oxides, and MXenes.
Main Results:
- Plasmonic nanomaterials demonstrate significant potential for efficient solar steam generation.
- Five classes of plasmonic NMs (metals, nitrides, chalcogenides, oxides, MXenes) show promise.
- Key applications and performance factors for solar steam systems are identified.
Conclusions:
- Plasmonic nanomaterials are vital for efficient solar steam generation and water purification.
- Further research into rational design and fabrication of plasmonic NMs is needed.
- This review provides a guide for future development in solar water purification technologies.
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