A Janus Interfacial Evaporator Constructed from Silicon Carbide Foam for Seawater Evaporation

In this study, a novel Janus interfacial evaporator was fabricated using silicon carbide foam with the aim of seawater desalination. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was coated on the top of the silicon carbide foam to endow it with hydrophobicity, while MXene was coated on the bottom and sides to achieve hydrophilicity. This unique Janus structure effectively combines the advantages of hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties. Indoor evaporation tests were conducted to evaluate the basic performance of the evaporator. The results show that under simulated sunlight, the evaporator has a high seawater evaporation rate (1.806 kg·m^-2·h^-1) and no salt crystallization occurs. Outdoor freshwater collection tests were also carried out. The device exhibits remarkable stability and high efficiency under real-world environmental conditions. The average daily freshwater collection over 7 days was 9.818 L·m^-2, and the ionic concentration of the collected freshwater was significantly reduced, meeting the drinking water standards of the World Health Organization. Overall, this silicon carbide foam-based Janus interfacial evaporator shows great potential in practical applications of seawater desalination and water purification.