MXene Membrane as Multifunctional Interface for Vapor Splitting via Photothermal-Catalytic Membrane Distillation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Solar-driven processes are crucial for sustainable freshwater and energy production.
• Developing efficient solar-responsive materials and advanced systems is essential.
• Existing systems face challenges like photocatalyst leaching and heat loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional membrane for simultaneous freshwater and hydrogen production.
• To design an integrated photothermal-catalytic sweeping gas membrane distillation (PTC-SGMD) system.
• To overcome limitations of conventional liquid-solid systems.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing MXene-based membranes for interface engineering.
• Integrating solar evaporation, vapor transportation, and vapor splitting within a single membrane.
• Employing a liquid-solid-gas configuration to enhance efficiency.

Main Results:

• Achieved a simultaneous water flux of 2.37 kg m⁻²h⁻¹ and hydrogen production of 947.8 µmol m⁻²h⁻¹.
• Demonstrated a total solar efficiency of 92.305% under 1 sun irradiation.
• Exhibited outstanding stability over 72 hours of continuous operation.

Conclusions:

• The MXene-based membrane in the PTC-SGMD system offers a scalable solution for water and energy challenges.
• This innovative approach overcomes limitations of conventional systems, enhancing efficiency and stability.
• The multifunctional membrane design enables efficient solar evaporation, transport, and photocatalytic splitting.