Ultrablack Poly(vinyl alcohol)-Graphite Composite Xerogel with Vertically Arranged Pores for Highly Efficient Solar Steam Generation and Desalination

Ultrablack materials have attracted wide attention due to their high light absorbance and efficient photothermal conversion used in the field of solar steam generation to alleviate the drinking water crisis. Herein, ultrablack and low-cost poly(vinyl alcohol)-graphite composite xerogels (PGCXs) that have vertically arranged pores and high thermal conductivities are fabricated. The PGCX-50% shows high light absorbance (95.44%), good wettability, and a water evaporation rate of 1.24 kg m(-2) h(-1) under 1 sun illumination when coupled in a two dimensional (2D) evaporator. To further improve the solar steam generation performance, the PGCX-50% is switched to a three dimensional (3D) evaporator by rotating it. Under 1 sun illumination, the 3D evaporator has a highest water evaporation rate of 3.80 kg m(-2) h(-1), which is 3.07 times that of the 2D evaporator, due to its larger evaporation area and higher surface area at subambient temperature. Finally, a heatsink-like 3D evaporator is designed and a water evaporation rate of up to 9.54 kg m(-2) h(-1) is achieved when coupled with wind energy. The high water evaporation rates of the PGCX even in concentrated brines ensure its great potential for drinking water production and seawater desalination.

Automated summary

In this study, ultrablack and low-cost poly(vinyl alcohol)-graphite composite xerogels with vertically arranged pores and high thermal conductivities were fabricated for efficient solar steam generation. By rotating and converting to a three dimensional structure, the evaporation performance was further improved. Additionally, a heatsink-like structure was designed to achieve a higher water evaporation rate. Ultrablack materials have significant potential for application in drinking water production and seawater desalination.