Side Area-Assisted 3D Evaporator with Antibiofouling Function for Ultra-Efficient Solar Steam Generation

Solar-driven interfacial steam generation (SISG) has been recognized as a promising strategy to solve water shortages in an eco-friendly and low-cost way. However, the practical application of SISG is vitally restricted by some inherent limits, especially for finite evaporation rate and insufficient working life of evaporator. Herein, a novel SISG system involving an all-fiber porous cylinder-like foam 3D evaporator, side area-assisted evaporation protocol, and aggregation-induced-emission-active solar absorber with one stone two birds function is explored. The solar absorber exhibits efficient photothermal conversion, endowing the side area-assisted evaporator with as high as 3.6 kg m(-2) h(-1) of solar evaporation rate, which is highly desirable for SISG under 1 sun of irradiation. Moreover, the solar absorber is capable of powerfully producing reactive oxygen species upon sunlight irradiation, which results in extraordinary photodynamic killing of bacteria nearby the fiber to prevent biofouling, consequently improving the working life of evaporator.

Automated summary

This study explores a novel SISG system to address water shortages, improving the evaporation rate and the lifespan of the evaporator. The system utilizes the solar absorber's photothermal conversion and generation of reactive oxygen species to prevent bacterial growth, enhancing the longevity of the evaporator.