Solar steam generation by porous conducting polymer hydrogel

A hydrogel prepared with conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is used as the photothermal material. Water molecules in the PEDOT:PSS hydrogel consumes less energy to evaporate due to the activation of PSS part to water molecules by polymer-water interaction. With a fully wrapped insulation structure to concentrate heat on the SSG surface, the average evaporation rate and the steam evaporation efficiency yield 2.76 kg.m(-2).h(-1) and 93.2 % under 1 sun illumination intensity, respectively. More importantly, after 30 days of continuous desalination in saline water, the average evaporation rate remains at 2.66 kg.m(-2).h(-1) in association with neglectable morphology changes. The frameworks of PEDOT carrying positive charges can intercept chlorine anions, which alleviates the blockage of salt particles. The simple fabrication method, efficient energy utilization, and excellent durability make our SSG system promising for practical use.

Automated summary

A hydrogel made from conductive polymer PEDOT:PSS is used as a photothermal material, which reduces energy consumption during water molecule evaporation. The hydrogel achieves high evaporation rate and efficiency, and maintains good performance after long-term desalination.