4.7 Review

Hydrogels as promising platforms for solar-driven water evaporators

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Caiyan Zhang et al.

Summary: This study developed a dual-layer hydrogel-based evaporator with excellent resistance to salt formation, high evaporation rate, and purification properties. It has potential applications in seawater desalination, water pollution treatment, and other environmental remediation-related fields.

ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES (2022)

Article Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

Composite Polyelectrolyte Photothermal Hydrogel with Anti-biofouling and Antibacterial Properties for the Real-World Application of Solar Steam Generation

Bolun Peng et al.

Summary: Solar steam generation is a promising and cost-effective method for freshwater production in energy scarcity areas. In this study, a composite polyelectrolyte photothermal hydrogel with anti-biofouling and antibacterial properties was developed. The hydrogel exhibited a high antibacterial ratio against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and achieved a rapid water evaporation rate and high solar-to-evaporation efficiency. The hydrogel also showed excellent durability in real seawater, making it suitable for real-world application of solar steam generation.

ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Superhydrophilic 2D Covalent Organic Frameworks as Broadband Absorbers for Efficient Solar Steam Generation

Xiaoli Yan et al.

Summary: By developing a covalent organic framework with superhydrophilicity and broad light absorption, researchers have overcome the intrinsic limitations of porous organic polymers in solar steam generation. The material exhibits excellent water evaporation and high energy conversion efficiency, with the potential for further extension of its light absorption range through post-synthetic modification.

ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION (2022)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Three-Level pore structure hydrogels for solar vapor generation

Yang Chen et al.

Summary: A three-level pore structure hydrogel consisting of PVA and rGO was prepared for efficient photothermal evaporation. The hydrogel showed promising properties due to its unique pore structure and demonstrated stable evaporation rate and salt rejection ability.

APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE (2022)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Highly charged hydrogel with enhanced donnan exclusion toward ammonium for efficient solar-driven water remediation

Qingbo Xiao et al.

Summary: Developing solar-driven photothermal materials with superior rejection capability toward volatile ammonium is crucial for wastewater remediation. The Janus hydrogel evaporator achieved enhanced Donnan exclusion toward ammonium without sacrificing water evaporation capability, significantly increasing ammonium rejection rate and water evaporation rate for natural wastewater. This work opens up new possibilities for using photothermal materials to separate freshwater from small volatile molecules using clean solar energy.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (2022)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Self-assembling fluorescent hydrogel for highly efficient water purification and photothermal conversion

Meng Li et al.

Summary: In this study, a cellulose-based fluorescent hydrogel with 0D sulfydryl-based carbon dots was developed for the detection and removal of hazardous Hg(II) ions. The hydrogel showed high sensitivity for Hg(II) detection and exhibited a large adsorption capacity. Additionally, the exhausted waste adsorbent was successfully upcycled into a suitable material for solar steam generation.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (2022)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Shape-controlled fabrication of cost-effective, scalable and anti-biofouling hydrogel foams for solar-powered clean water production

Na Li et al.

Summary: This study develops 3D hydrogel foams based on biopolymer composites using a controlled foaming - gelation technique, which are then applied to a monolithic interfacial steam generator. The hydrogel foams possess several desirable properties, such as light-weight, low-cost, low thermal insulation, and efficient water diffusion. They demonstrate high water evaporation rate and cost-effectiveness for clean water production.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (2022)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Polyelectrolyte-based photothermal hydrogel with low evaporation enthalpy for solar-driven salt-tolerant desalination

Congcong Li et al.

Summary: This study presents the development of an anionic polyelectrolyte-based hydrogel with both photothermal characteristics for evaporating seawater and electrostatic properties for preventing solid-salt crystallization. The hydrogel exhibited high solar absorption efficiency and excellent evaporation performance, making it a promising candidate for solar-driven seawater desalination.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (2022)

Article Engineering, Chemical

Lignin hydrogel-based solar-driven evaporator for cost-effective and highly efficient water purification

Shan Jiang et al.

Summary: A lignin hydrogel-based evaporator with sufficient water supplement, effective water activation, and fantastic anti-salt accumulation performance is designed and demonstrated. The evaporator achieves a high and stable evaporation rate and efficiently removes heavy metal ions from polluted water.

DESALINATION (2022)

Article Engineering, Chemical

Solar water evaporation using porous cellulose polyacrylamide hydrogel with carbon-based material containing copper oxide prepared from after-use adsorbent

Tongxing Zhang et al.

Summary: The global PCB industry produces a significant amount of wastewater containing Cu2+ annually, exacerbating the freshwater shortage. Utilizing chitosan-based adsorbents and carbon-based materials, a flexible porous hydrogel was developed for wastewater treatment and solar water evaporation, offering a potential solution for waste adsorbent reutilization and alleviation of freshwater shortage.

DESALINATION (2022)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Yolk-like non-stoichiometric nickel sulfide-based Janus hydrogel photothermal film for enhanced solar-driven water evaporation and multi-media purification

Ye Zhang et al.

Summary: A highly efficient Janus hydrogel photothermal film was developed, with full-spectrum absorption characteristics and good hydrophilicity, capable of achieving efficient solar evaporation. The film can be easily prepared into various shapes by the pouring method, suitable for water evaporation applications in various media.

JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE (2022)

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Construction of polysaccharide based physically crosslinked double-network antibacterial hydrogel

Chao Shi et al.

Summary: In this study, an environmentally friendly physically crosslinked hydrogel was successfully prepared, and by increasing the zinc ion content, the mechanical properties of the gel were improved, and excellent antibacterial activity was demonstrated.

MATERIALS LETTERS (2022)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Scalable super hygroscopic polymer films for sustainable moisture harvesting in arid environments

Youhong Guo et al.

Summary: By synthesizing a hygroscopic polymer film composed of renewable biomass, high water uptake at low relative humidity can be achieved, enabling the extraction of atmospheric water and addressing the global water crisis.

NATURE COMMUNICATIONS (2022)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Dome-arrayed chitosan/PVA hydrogel-based solar evaporator for steam generation

Minyue Zhu et al.

Summary: This study investigates a water evaporation system driven by solar energy, where hydrogel evaporators are prepared using chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, and carbon nanoparticles. The study designs a tiny-pool evaporator structure and a dome-arrayed hydrogel structure, achieving significantly improved evaporation rates. The optimized system shows an approximately 66.7% increase in evaporation rate, indicating promising potential for water purification using solar-driven evaporation systems.

SCIENTIFIC REPORTS (2022)

Article Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

Sustainable Self-Cleaning Evaporators for Highly Efficient Solar Desalination Using a Highly Elastic Sponge-like Hydrogel

Aqiang Chu et al.

Summary: Interfacial evaporation using light-absorbing hydrogels offers efficient solar evaporation performance, ensuring affordable clean water supply. A sponge-like hydrogel with tailored surface topography, adequate water transport, excellent salt rejection, and good thermal localization properties was constructed for seawater desalination.

ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Enhanced Solar Evaporation Using a Scalable MoS2-Based Hydrogel for Highly Efficient Solar Desalination

Pan Liu et al.

Summary: In this study, a scalable MoS2-based porous hydrogel with good mechanical stability and salt resistance was successfully prepared. The hydrogel exhibited impressive evaporation rate and photothermal conversion efficiency under sunlight, and maintained high and stable photothermal properties for a prolonged period. Therefore, it holds promise as a feasible device for seawater desalination.

ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Polyzwitterionic Hydrogels for Highly Efficient High Salinity Solar Desalination

Chuxin Lei et al.

Summary: Polyzwitterionic hydrogels (PZHs) are proposed as a novel platform for high-salinity solar desalination, utilizing the anti-polyelectrolyte effects to improve solar vapor generation performance. PZHs exhibit a solar evaporation rate approximately 20% higher in high-salinity brines compared to pure water.

ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION (2022)

Article Chemistry, Applied

Ultrastretchable and adhesive agarose/Ti3C2Tχ-crosslinked-polyacrylamide double-network hydrogel for strain sensor

Tingrui Lin et al.

Summary: A novel double-network hydrogel, AG/T-PAM DN hydrogel, is synthesized by combining heating-cooling and gamma-ray radiation-induced polymerization. It possesses excellent mechanical properties and adhesion, and can be used as a strain sensor to monitor human body movements.

CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS (2022)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Robust PEDOT:PSS-based hydrogel for highly efficient interfacial solar water purification

Qi Zhao et al.

Summary: The article introduces a mechanically robust nanocomposite hydrogel with excellent evaporation performance and demonstrates its potential applications in seawater desalination and wastewater purification.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (2022)

Review Engineering, Environmental

Hydrogel materials for sustainable water resources harvesting & treatment: Synthesis, mechanism and applications

Zhibin Zhang et al.

Summary: With the development of global industry and the increase of population, the shortage of freshwater resources has become a pressing issue, leading to extensive research on advanced water treatment and water harvesting technologies. Hydrogel, as a polymer material with excellent properties such as water absorption, water retention, and adsorption, has been widely used in water resources harvesting and treatment. This review provides an overview of the synthetic routes of hydrogel materials, the mechanisms of water absorption and desorption, and the recent research progress in atmospheric water harvesting, seawater desalination, and wastewater treatment using hydrogel materials.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (2022)

Article Engineering, Chemical

Synergistically regulated surface structure and water transportation of sponge hydrogel evaporator for efficient water desalination

Wenwei Lei et al.

Summary: This work presents the fabrication of high-efficiency solar steam generators based on sponge-like hydrogels through a salt template method. These generators exhibit high water evaporation rate and energy conversion efficiency, along with stable desalination and contaminant removal performance.

DESALINATION (2022)

Article Chemistry, Physical

High-flux flowing interfacial water evaporation under multiple heating sources enabled by a biohybrid hydrogel

Zhen Yu et al.

Summary: This study presents a polypyrrole-coated bacterial cellulose hydrogel as an effective absorber for a high-flux evaporator. The evaporator achieves a high evaporation rate and antifouling property, driven by solar irradiation and electro-heating. The results show that the evaporator maintains stable performance in seawater and industrial wastewater, and can be powered by low-temperature waste heat for large-scale application.

NANO ENERGY (2022)

Article Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

Highly Effective Multifunctional Solar Evaporator with Scaffolding Structured Carbonized Wood and Biohydrogel

Jie Chen et al.

Summary: A solar evaporator using composite carbonized wood and biobased hydrogel has been developed, showing high efficiency and versatility in water evaporation.

ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Dual-Network Liquid Metal Hydrogel with Integrated Solar-Driven Evaporation, Multi-Sensory Applications, and Electricity Generation via Enhanced Light Absorption and Benard-Marangoni Effect

Zechang Wei et al.

Summary: This study presents a highly efficient solar-driven evaporation system by using novel materials, such as EGaIn/PANI complex and cellulose nanocrystals, and regulating heat transfer through a dual-network hydrogel evaporator and water/ethylene glycol solvent. The engineered hydrogel exhibits excellent mechanical properties, photothermal conversion performance, and electrical characteristics, and achieves a high evaporation rate through the combination of broadband light absorption and the Benard-Marangoni effect. Additionally, the hydrogel possesses multiple sensory capabilities, skin-like function, and power generation.

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS (2022)

Review Engineering, Environmental

Recent progress in solar photothermal steam technology for water purification and energy utilization

Chuanliang Chen et al.

Summary: Solar photothermal steam technology (SPST) has gained increasing attention for its potential in producing fresh water from various sources. This paper reviews the latest designs and applications of SPST, identifying the photothermal effect, rapid water supply, and rational thermal management as key factors for efficient SPST. It discusses the preparation methods of photothermal materials, analyzes the surface and structure of water supply materials, and explores strategies for optimizing these issues. Challenges and key issues facing SPST are also summarized.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (2022)

Article Engineering, Chemical

Highly efficient and long-term stable solar-driven water purification through a rechargeable hydrogel evaporator

Jianhua Zhou et al.

Summary: A durable and rechargeable solar evaporator was demonstrated by integrating water-absorbing polyacrylamide hydrogels with light-harvesting carbon nanotubes. The hydrogel has a water storage capacity of 6 times its own weight and has reversible water uptake. The hydrogel with hydratable functional groups can form intermediate water with weak hydrogen bonds, reducing evaporation enthalpy. Without additional water supply, the 2D flat evaporator with the hydrogel achieved an evaporation rate of 3.03 kg m(-2) h(-1) under one sun irradiation. With net energy gain from the environment, the 3D cylindrical hydrogel achieved a high and stable evaporation rate of 4.85 kg m(-2) h(-1) under one sun irradiation. This rechargeable hydrogel can be easily recycled via swelling-evaporation, with outstanding evaporation rate suitable for long-term use, making it an ideal material for practical clean water production.

DESALINATION (2022)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Molecular engineering of biomass-derived hybrid hydrogels for solar water purification

Ling Chen et al.

Summary: This study reports a cost-effective hybrid hydrogel for solar-driven multifunctional evaporator, which can efficiently produce clean freshwater from wastewater and has antibacterial, salt resistance and self-cleaning capabilities.

JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE (2022)

Article Environmental Sciences

Biomass hydrogels combined with carbon nanotubes for water purification via efficient and continuous solar-driven steam generation

Yuhao Jiang et al.

Summary: In this study, an environmentally friendly and economical solar evaporator was developed by integrating carbon nanotubes into a hydrogel network. The evaporator showed high solar absorption, good hydrophilicity, and effective prevention of salt crystallization. It achieved a high evaporation rate and removal efficiency of salt ions and dyes from seawater and wastewater.

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT (2022)

Article Engineering, Environmental

3D-printed solar evaporator with seashell ornamentation-inspired structure for zero liquid discharge desalination

Shenghong Sun et al.

Summary: This study presents a spined groove-ridge pairs inspired by seashell ornamentation to address salt accumulation in solar-driven interfacial evaporation. The design enables high-performance water evaporation and localized crystallization, while enhancing salt resistance through salt reflux.

WATER RESEARCH (2022)

Article Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

Water-Soluble and Degradable Gelatin/Polyaniline Assemblies with a High Photothermal Conversion Efficiency for pH-Switchable Precise Photothermal Therapy

Jia-Wei Li et al.

Summary: This study develops tumor pH-responsive PANI-Gel/Cu assemblies for targeted and precise ablation of tumors. By incorporating gelatin and the acid tumor microenvironment, the assemblies exhibit excellent dispersion and stability in biomedical applications, as well as enhanced photothermal therapy and photoacoustic signal amplification.

ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES (2022)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Recyclable physical hydrogels as durable and efficient solar-driven evaporators

Honglang Lu et al.

Summary: In this study, we developed a recyclable, durable, and efficient hydrogel evaporator by integrating poly(N-acryloyl glycina-mide), chitosan, and carbon nanotubes. The hydrogel exhibited high solar absorbance and exceptional solar-vapor conversion efficiency, making it suitable for desalination. Furthermore, the hydrogel could be recycled using a simple method without significantly affecting its performance.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (2022)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Degradable and Recyclable Solar Desalination Membranes Based on Naturally Occurring Building Blocks

Ning Li et al.

Summary: This work presents a degradable and recyclable metal-phenolic network-based photo-thermal coating for solar steam generation. The coating, assembled from naturally occurring building blocks, achieves high evaporation rate and excellent steam generation efficiency. It can be rapidly degraded under acidic conditions and can be recoated and degraded multiple times while maintaining stable performance.

CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

A robust starch-polyacrylamide hydrogel with scavenging energy harvesting capacity for efficient solar thermoelectricity-freshwater cogeneration

Xiaojiang Mu et al.

Summary: This article highlights the significance of utilizing solar energy to produce clean water and electricity simultaneously. It presents a thermoelectricity-freshwater cogenerator that utilizes a starch-polyacrylamide hydrogel and a thermoelectric generator to make the most of solar energy and scavenging energy. This innovative system achieves high efficiency and sustainability in harnessing solar and waste heat energy.

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (2022)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Porous polyvinyl alcohol/biochar hydrogel induced high yield solar steam generation and sustainable desalination

Jing Li et al.

Summary: In this study, polyvinyl alcohol/biochar hydrogels with different water/PVA ratio were fabricated as an effective solar-driven vapor generator. The hydrogels exhibited an openly porous structure, a solar absorber on the biochar interface, and thermal conduction, enabling fast and efficient vapor generation. The PBHs also showed excellent performance in salt rejection and wastewater purification.

JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

One-step biosynthesis of a bilayered graphene oxide embedded bacterial nanocellulose hydrogel for versatile photothermal membrane applications

Govindaraj Divyapriya et al.

Summary: This study introduces a facile one-step biosynthesis method for a bilayer structured hydrogel composed of reduced-graphene oxide (rGO) and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) for various photothermal water treatment applications. The bilayer hydrogel was synthesized by modifying the BNC growth medium with an optimized concentration of corn steep liquor, which acted as a growth enhancer. The resulting rGO-BNC bilayer membrane showed comparable performance with ultrafiltration in terms of particle rejection and water flux, and also demonstrated efficient filtration, photothermal disinfection, and solar water evaporation.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO (2022)

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Salting-in Effect of Zwitterionic Polymer Hydrogel Facilitates Atmospheric Water Harvesting

Sara Aleid et al.

Summary: This study discovers for the first time that the salting-in effect of a zwitterionic hydrogel can facilitate water vapor sorption by hygroscopic salt, leading to enhanced swelling capacity and performance of the sorbent. Experimental and theoretical calculations confirmed this salting-in effect. The study also demonstrated a solar energy-driven atmospheric water harvesting process using a photothermal component integrated into the sorbent.

ACS MATERIALS LETTERS (2022)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Robust PEDOT:PSS-based hydrogel for highly efficient interfacial solar water purification

Qi Zhao et al.

Summary: This study presents a mechanically robust nanocomposite hydrogel with excellent evaporation performance, providing a new possibility for addressing water scarcity and pollution issues.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (2022)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Recent advances and prospects of carbon dots in phototherapy

Baoling Li et al.

Summary: Carbon dots, as a novel zero-dimensional carbonaceous nanomaterial, have shown great potential in phototherapy as effective photosensitizers or photothermal agents for cancer treatment, and are expected to play an important role in phototheranostics.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (2021)

Article Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

Janus Polypyrrole Nanobelt@Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel Evaporator for Robust Solar-Thermal Seawater Desalination and Sewage Purification

Xi Zhao et al.

Summary: This study successfully developed a novel solar evaporator with high efficiency and high evaporation rate, showcasing great salt resistance and contaminant purification performance suitable for seawater and sewage treatment. A portable solar-thermal purifier equipped with the evaporator has been designed, demonstrating potential for advanced clean water harvesting.

ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Biomimetic Hybridization of Janus-like Graphene Oxide into Hierarchical Porous Hydrogels for Improved Mechanical Properties and Efficient Solar Desalination Devices

Cheng Ma et al.

Summary: This study demonstrates the assembly of light-absorbing hydrogels with a spongy structure and high toughness through strong interfacial interactions, enabling efficient solar-driven water evaporation. The hybrid hydrogel-based solar evaporator shows a high evaporation rate and efficiency, providing a new pathway for scalable and processable solar water purification devices.

ACS NANO (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Ni-based Plasmonic/Magnetic Nanostructures as Efficient Light Absorbers for Steam Generation

Fan Yang et al.

Summary: The synthesis of Ni@C@SiO2 core-shell nanoparticles as promising light absorbers for high photothermal efficiency and evaporation rate is reported. Incorporating nanoparticles into a polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel can further enhance performance. Utilizing the magnetic property of the core-shell particles allows the creation of surface texture in a composite film, boosting the evaporation rate.

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS (2021)

Article Chemistry, Applied

Flower-inspired bionic sodium alginate hydrogel evaporator enhancing solar desalination performance

Changkun Liu et al.

Summary: This study successfully prepared a flower-inspired bionic evaporator, which showed excellent evaporation rate and effective suppression of salt crystallization phenomenon. The 3D flower-shaped configuration of hydrogel tubes increased the effective evaporation area and accelerated the evaporation process.

CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS (2021)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Nanofibrous hydrogel-reduced graphene oxide membranes for effective solar-driven interfacial evaporation and desalination

Linlin Zang et al.

Summary: In this study, a hybrid nanofibrous hydrogel-reduced graphene oxide (NHrG) membrane was demonstrated, showing the presence of intermediate water in the porous membrane and its key role in lowering the vaporization enthalpy. The NHrG membrane exhibited highly efficient solar-driven interfacial evaporation with a high evaporation rate and energy conversion efficiency. Additionally, it showed excellent desalination performance in treating fresh seawater and removing salt and heavy metal ions.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (2021)

Article Engineering, Chemical

Composite hydrogel-based photothermal self-pumping system with salt and bacteria resistance for super-efficient solar-powered water evaporation

Yaling Li et al.

Summary: The study introduces a novel smart 3D porous photothermal composite hydrogel for enhancing solar-powered water evaporation performance, which is controlled by a self-pumping system. It achieves a high water evaporation rate and resistance to fouling.

DESALINATION (2021)

Article Chemistry, Applied

Metal-phenolic network coated cellulose foams for solar-driven clean water production

Yuan Zou et al.

Summary: Solar-driven water steam generation technology shows great potential for seawater desalination and wastewater purification. A metal-phenolic network-coated cellulose foam was developed, demonstrating high water evaporation rate and anti-oil-fouling ability. The foam's superb hydrophilicity and underwater lipophobicity enable efficient water steam generation even in oil-polluted seawater.

CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS (2021)

Article Materials Science, Composites

Enhanced solar steam generation of hydrogel composite with aligned channel and shape memory behavior

Jingxian He et al.

Summary: A novel acetylene black-doped dual-crosslinked hydrogel composite has been developed for solar steam generation, showing excellent light absorption and fast water transmission performance.

COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Interfacial Radiation-Absorbing Hydrogel Film for Efficient Thermal Utilization on Solar Evaporator Surfaces

Sen Meng et al.

Summary: Solar water purification technology utilizes hierarchically porous radiation-absorbing hydrogel film to significantly improve energy efficiency and achieve up to 95% evaporation efficiency. This technology is of great significance in controlling interfacial thermal energy.

NANO LETTERS (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Semiconductive, Flexible MnO2 NWs/Chitosan Hydrogels for Efficient Solar Steam Generation

Muhammad Sultan Irshad et al.

Summary: A novel solar-driven steam generator using semiconductor materials and chitosan has been designed, achieving efficient water evaporation and solar energy conversion, with excellent salt resistance and self-floating capabilities, as well as good performance in purifying industrial wastewater and oil-emulsified water.

ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING (2021)

Article Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

Multifunctional Self-Healing Dual Network Hydrogels Constructed via Host-Guest Interaction and Dynamic Covalent Bond as Wearable Strain Sensors for Monitoring Human and Organ Motions

Xiong Liu et al.

Summary: Hydrogel-based flexible strain sensors have great potential in various applications such as body movement tracking and disease diagnosis. By utilizing dual network hydrogels, researchers have developed composite hydrogels with self-healing, biocompatibility, stretchability, and high sensitivity, which can be used for monitoring human motions and respiratory movements.

ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

A Bioinspired Elastic Hydrogel for Solar-Driven Water Purification

Xiaohui Xu et al.

Summary: Global demand for clean and safe water is increasing, necessitating sustainable innovations in water purification. A solar absorber gel (SAG) inspired by nature uses natural sunlight to purify water from contaminated sources.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (2021)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Integrated multifunctional device based on Bi2S3/Pd: Localized heat channeling for efficient photothermic vaporization and real-time health monitoring

Xuemin Geng et al.

Summary: The study focuses on efficient solar steam generation using an innovative solar absorber and demonstrates outstanding performance in terms of light absorption and photothermal conversion. Additionally, the research showcases the capabilities of a solar thermoelectric generator coated with Bi2S3/Pd composite and a PAAH hydrogel for real-time sensing. Overall, the integrated system designed in this study offers new insights into the intelligent design of multifunctional devices.

NANO ENERGY (2021)

Article Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

Fully Biomass-Based Hybrid Hydrogel for Efficient Solar Desalination with Salt Self-Cleaning Property

Xiaojie Liu et al.

Summary: The study introduces a biomass-based GG/CI hydrogel evaporator using gellan gum and cuttlefish ink, demonstrating efficient freshwater generation and rapid salt self-cleaning behavior. Enhanced evaporation rate is achieved through photothermal conversion and vertical microchannels, offering a new approach for eco-friendly and sustainable freshwater production.

ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Surface Patterning of Two-Dimensional Nanostructure-Embedded Photothermal Hydrogels for High-Yield Solar Steam Generation

Yi Lu et al.

Summary: By utilizing the synergy of 2D nanostructure-embedded hydrogel evaporator and surface patterning, a high-yield solar steam generation method has been achieved to effectively mitigate the limitation of evaporation rate in seawater desalination, providing a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution to clean water shortages.

ACS NANO (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Highly Salt-Resistant 3D Hydrogel Evaporator for Continuous Solar Desalination via Localized Crystallization

Lin Li et al.

Summary: The study presents a hydrogel-based 3D solar evaporator for high-salinity brine desalination through salt localized crystallization, showing excellent salt resistance and evaporation performance. This design holds significant potential in addressing the global freshwater crisis.

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Molecular Engineering of Hydrogels for Rapid Water Disinfection and Sustainable Solar Vapor Generation

Youhong Guo et al.

Summary: This study introduces a novel antibacterial hydrogel that can efficiently disinfect water sources within a short period of time without the need for energy input, achieving over 99.999% disinfection efficiency. Additionally, the hydrogel exhibits excellent photothermal and biofouling-resistant properties, making it suitable for stable water purification as a solar evaporator under sunlight.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Rational Design of a High Performance and Robust Solar Evaporator via 3D-Printing Technology

Sourav Chaule et al.

Summary: This study addresses the issues of heat loss and salt accumulation in sea water desalination using the broad-band solar spectrum, with two cost-effective approaches. The design of a concave shaped supporter by 3D-printing and the use of a double layered photoabsorber significantly improve the efficiency and stability of the solar evaporator.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (2021)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Sustainable self-cleaning evaporator for long-term solar desalination using gradient structure tailored hydrogel

Ting Xu et al.

Summary: The hydrogel evaporator with a three-layer structure demonstrates efficient water evaporation, salt resistance, and antibacterial properties for sustainable use in marine environments. It has the potential to be a practical solution for freshwater production in saltwater environments.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (2021)

Article Energy & Fuels

A simple, flexible, and porous polypyrrole-wax gourd evaporator with excellent light absorption for efficient solar steam generation

Yuanlu Xu et al.

Summary: This study introduces a solar evaporation enhancement technology using a polypyrrole-wax gourd biomass evaporator with advantages such as superhydrophilic wettability, microporous channels, and high light absorption ability. The evaporator shows superior vapor generation capacity, stability, and durability under long-term usage and harsh conditions, along with outstanding wastewater purification and desalination performance. It offers a new strategy for developing novel biomass thermal evaporators for clean water production.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH (2021)

Article Chemistry, Physical

A scalable, cost-effective and salt-rejecting MoS2/SA@melamine foam for continuous solar steam generation

Juanxiu Xiao et al.

Summary: Solar steam generation is a promising strategy to address water shortage issues, but salt deposition in the evaporator is a challenge. A hybrid sponge has been developed to achieve efficient water evaporation under solar heat, with significant salt rejecting performance even in high salinity conditions. By carefully designing the evaporator structure, a sustainable and effective solar-thermal conversion efficiency is achieved.

NANO ENERGY (2021)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Enhancing solar steam generation using a highly thermally conductive evaporator support

Yida Wang et al.

Summary: Interfacial solar steam generation is an efficient water evaporation technology with promising applications. Current designs using thermal-insulation support may hinder energy extraction in 3D evaporators. By using thermally conductive material instead of a thermal insulator, higher evaporation rates can be achieved.

SCIENCE BULLETIN (2021)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Directional solution transfer of a 3D solar evaporator inhibiting salt crystallization

Ye Peng et al.

Summary: The novel 3D hydrogel evaporator prepared by a simple method showed excellent evaporation rate and long-term high-performance evaporation, solving the issue of salt crystallization.

JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A (2021)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Seawater desalination derived entirely from ocean biomass

Xiaojie Liu et al.

Summary: Solar-driven interfacial evaporation using a full ocean biomass-based evaporator composed of chitosan hydrogel and cuttlefish ink shows promising prospects for seawater desalination, with high evaporation rates achieved under solar irradiation. This environmentally friendly and sustainable evaporator offers a new possibility for efficient and stable solar evaporation with guaranteed water quality.

JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A (2021)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Sandwich hydrogel with confined plasmonic Cu/carbon cells for efficient solar water purification

Cheng Tian et al.

Summary: Designing a low-cost and efficient solar water purification technology is crucial. The sandwich hydrogel structure allows for high-efficiency solar water purification and evaporation, reducing solar absorber usage while maintaining high light-to-heat conversion efficiency, and simultaneously lowering heavy metal ion concentrations.

JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A (2021)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Harnessing synchronous photothermal and photocatalytic effects of cryptomelane-type MnO2 nanowires towards clean water production

Bolei Chen et al.

Summary: Solar energy is a major source of energy that has the potential to solve the water-energy nexus. Development in photothermal materials and photocatalysts has led to the fabrication of a solar steam generator that offers high-efficiency steaming and photocatalytic functions. By utilizing a cryptomelane-type MnO2 light absorber, the solar thermal efficiency reached up to 84% and an evaporation rate of 2.2 kg m(-2) h(-1) under one sun illumination. The dual-functional light absorber expands the utilization of solar energy in the device, showcasing promising applications for clean water production.

JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Engineering Hydrogels for Efficient Solar Desalination and Water Purification

Youhong Guo et al.

Summary: This article highlights the recent progress of hydrogels as a highly tunable material platform for solar-powered desalination and water purification. Strategies to promote efficient solar-to-vapor conversion are discussed, with emphasis on reducing water evaporation enthalpy, optimizing heat distribution, and tailoring the evaporation surface.

ACCOUNTS OF MATERIALS RESEARCH (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Biomass-Derived Hybrid Hydrogel Evaporators for Cost-Effective Solar Water Purification

Youhong Guo et al.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (2020)

Article Chemistry, Physical

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