Stable, Cost-Effective TiN-Based Plasmonic Nanocomposites with over 99% Solar Steam Generation Efficiency

Plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs), such as Au, Ag, and Cu, are considered as promising photothermal materials and attract extensive attention for freshwater production by solar steam generation. However, high cost, narrow absorption range and/or poor stability greatly limit their practical applications. Herein, a high-efficiency solar energy conversion material consisting of low-cost non-metal, extremely thermally-stable plasmonic TiN NPs and hydrophilic semi-reduced graphene oxide (semi-rGO), with broadband solar absorption capability, by a fast in situ microwave reduction method is prepared. The 2D semi-rGO serves as a support for the loading of plasmonic NPs, and meanwhile accelerates the transport and evaporation of water due to its hydrophilicity. Then, decoration of plasmonic TiN NPs further enhances the solar photon absorption and hydrophilicity while suppressing the heat loss, thanks to the layered structure of TiN/semi-rGO, improving overall solar energy utilization. Owing to the enhanced absorption and unique layered nanostructure with strong interfacial interaction, the optimal sample of TiN/semi-rGO-25% absorber achieves a high and stable water evaporation rate of approximate to 1.76 kg m(-2) h(-1) with an energy efficiency as high as 99.1% under 1 sun illumination. Furthermore, this plasmonic TiN/semi-rGO absorber is capable of producing high-quality freshwater from sustainable seawater desalination and wastewater purification processes.

Automated summary

Researchers have developed a high-efficiency solar energy conversion material consisting of low-cost non-metal TiN nanoparticles and hydrophilic semi-reduced graphene oxide. The material has broadband solar absorption capability and can accelerate water evaporation, making it promising for freshwater production by solar steam generation.