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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
09:20
Microhoneycomb Monoliths Prepared by the Unidirectional Freeze-drying of Cellulose Nanofiber Based Sols: Method and Extensions
Published on: May 24, 2018
Recent advances in cellulose-based solar interfacial evaporators enabled by hydrogen-bond network regulation
Shouxian Zhong1,2,3, Qianqian Chen4, Nailiang Yang2,3
1National Center for International Joint Research of Photoelectric Energy Materials and Application, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Materials and Devices, School of Materials and Energy, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China. yfwan@ynu.edu.cn.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|June 18, 2026
Summary
Cellulose enhances solar steam evaporation by regulating water
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Interfacial solar steam evaporation (ISSE) relies on photothermal conversion and interfacial water dynamics.
- Cellulose's hydroxyl groups and porous structure are advantageous for ISSE.
- Understanding cellulose's role in water organization is key for efficient evaporation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in cellulose-based ISSE.
- To highlight the impact of hydrogen-bond regulation on interfacial water states.
- To connect molecular-level interactions to device-level design for solar evaporators.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on cellulose-based ISSE.
- Analysis of hydrogen-bond network effects on water properties.
- Examination of interfacial kinetics and heat/mass exchange in ISSE systems.
Main Results:
- Cellulose influences hydrogen-bond environments and interfacial water states.
- Nanoconfined cellulose interfaces tune water populations and reduce apparent enthalpy of evaporation.
- Hierarchical porous cellulose structures facilitate water supply and vapor release.
Conclusions:
- Cellulose-based materials offer a promising route for low-cost, stable solar evaporators.
- Hydrogen-bond regulation at the cellulose-water interface is crucial for high evaporation flux.
- A molecular-to-device perspective guides the design of efficient ISSE systems.
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