4.8 Article

Solar-Powered Interfacial Evaporation and Deicing Based on a 3D-Printed Multiscale Hierarchical Design

相关参考文献

注意:仅列出部分参考文献,下载原文获取全部文献信息。
Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

A Magneto-Heated Silk Fibroin Scaffold for Anti-Biofouling Solar Steam Generation

Hanye Xing et al.

Summary: A magnetic heating strategy using magnetic silk fibroin scaffolds is reported for anti-biofouling solar steam generation. The scaffold can be integrally heated by an alternating magnetic field (AMF), preventing biofouling formation in the inner channels for water transportation. The magneto-heated scaffold also inhibits biofouling formation in natural lake water.
Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

A Bionic-Gill 3D Hydrogel Evaporator with Multidirectional Crossflow Salt Mitigation and Aquaculture Applications

Lidian Zhang et al.

Summary: In recent years, interfacial solar-driven steam generation has gained attention as an energy-efficient technology. However, salt scaling on and inside the evaporator structure can lower the performance and durability. Inspired by the salt-expelling property of the gill filaments of large yellow croaker, a 3D hydrogel evaporator is proposed with multidirectional ion migration controllability. The designed structure ensures high evaporation performance for both pure water and high salinity brine, with no salt crystallizing after long-term use.

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS (2023)

Review Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Templating strategies for 3D-structured thermally conductive composites: Recent advances and thermal energy applications

Jie Yang et al.

Summary: This review summarizes recent advances in the development of thermally conductive polymer composites using various templating methods, including self-templating, sacrificial templating, foam-templating, ice-templating, and template-directed chemical vapor deposition techniques. These unique methods allow for the fabrication of three-dimensional interconnected fillers with segregated, cellular, lamellar, and radially aligned structures, which are correlated to the thermal conductivity of the composites. Moreover, the review highlights the use of multiscale structural design strategies combined with different templating methods to further improve the thermal conductivity of the composites.

PROGRESS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE (2023)

Article Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

Fibrous Aerogels with Tunable Superwettability for High-Performance Solar-Driven Interfacial Evaporation

Chengjian Xu et al.

Summary: Solar-driven interfacial evaporation is a promising technology for water desalination. By controlling assembly pathways, a hybrid material consisting of vinyltrimethoxysilane and bacterial cellulose fibrous network was created, leading to robust aerogels with distinct wettability. The aerogels, with superhydrophilic or superhydrophobic surfaces, were integrated into a double-layered evaporator for efficient water desalination. The aerogel evaporator exhibited high water evaporation rates, lightweight, structural robustness, long-term stability, and excellent salt-resistance, highlighting the advantages of synthesizing aerogel materials from a single molecular unit.

NANO-MICRO LETTERS (2023)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Emerging Materials for Interfacial Solar-Driven Water Purification

Sijia Cao et al.

Summary: Solar-driven water purification is an effective and sustainable technology that utilizes green solar energy for water treatment. The development of novel photothermal materials has been explored for improving the solar evaporation performance and reducing energy consumption. Recent research has focused on using polymers, MOFs, COFs, and single molecules to construct solar evaporation systems. This minireview provides an overview of materials development and summarizes the applications of these emerging materials in solar-driven water treatment, including desalination, wastewater purification, sterilization, and energy production.

ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION (2023)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Tailoring the Salt Transport Flux of Solar Evaporators for a Highly Effective Salt-Resistant Desalination with High Productivity

He Yang et al.

Summary: In this study, a three-dimensional printed hierarchical porous reduced graphene oxide/carbon black (3DP-HP rGO/CB) solar evaporator was developed, which exhibited effective salt resistance and high water production rate. The findings have significant implications for long-term desalination processes.

ACS NANO (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Integrated Water and Thermal Managements in Bioinspired Hierarchical MXene Aerogels for Highly Efficient Solar-Powered Water Evaporation

Hongming Zhang et al.

Summary: This study reports an integrated design of solar absorbers for efficient water desalination. The design combines spectrally modified Ti3C2Tx nanosheets with polyvinyl alcohol to create a composite aerogel with a feather-like microstructure, providing excellent thermal insulation. The functional features of the material enable high energy efficiency and evaporation rate, making it suitable for solar-powered water desalination.

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Enhanced Interfacial Solar Evaporation through Formation of Micro-Meniscuses and Microdroplets to Reduce Evaporation Enthalpy

Zhen Yu et al.

Summary: Interfacial solar water evaporation is a promising way to address water shortages and pollution, but its low evaporation rate has limited practical applications. In this study, micro-meniscuses and microdroplets (MMDs) were found on the surface of polypyrrole nanoarrays, which significantly reduced the evaporation enthalpy and resulted in high evaporation rates even in high-salinity brine or wastewater.

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Reshapable MXene/Graphene Oxide/Polyaniline Plastic Hybrids with Patternable Surfaces for Highly Efficient Solar-Driven Water Purification

Xiao-Peng Li et al.

Summary: The study developed reshappable Ti3C2Tx MXene/graphene oxide (GO)/polyaniline (PANI) hybrids with variable shapes and patternable surfaces for efficient solar-driven purification of seawater and wastewater. The hybrids exhibit high water evaporation rates and outstanding evaporation efficiency under 1-sun irradiation, making them highly efficient in generating clean water with satisfactory ion rejection rates.

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

3D Printed MXene Aerogels with Truly 3D Macrostructure and Highly Engineered Microstructure for Enhanced Electrical and Electrochemical Performance

Halil Tetik et al.

Summary: Combining unidirectional freeze casting with inkjet-based 3D printing, macroscopic porous aerogels with vertically aligned Ti3C2Tx sheets were fabricated, demonstrating excellent electromechanical performance and electrical conductivity. By adding an inkjet-printed MXene current collector layer with horizontally aligned MXene sheets and vertical MXene sheets as electrodes, the electrochemical performance of the cells showed thickness-independent capacitive behavior.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (2022)

Review Chemistry, Applied

Poly (vinyl alcohol)-alginate as potential matrix for various applications: A focused review

Anuj Kumar et al.

Summary: Advances in polymers have led to their wide application in various fields. Blending natural and synthetic polymers has resulted in the development of materials with synergistic effects. Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and alginate (AG) blends (PVAG) have shown promising results in biomedical and industrial sectors. This review summarizes the recent progress in designing PVAG matrices and complexes and discusses their structure and functional properties. The applicability of PVAG matrices in wastewater treatment, biomedical applications, photocatalysis, food packaging, and fuel cells is comprehensively outlined. Moreover, the review highlights the challenges that need to be addressed and explores the potential of PVAG matrices in unexplored fields like aircraft industry, nuclear science, and space exploration.

CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Physical

An environmental energy-enhanced solar steam evaporator derived from MXene-decorated cellulose acetate cigarette filter with ultrahigh solar steam generation efficiency

Wei Li et al.

Summary: A solar steam evaporator was developed using a combination of MXene and PVA-modified CF, which not only improved the efficiency of solar steam generation, but also utilized environmental energy to enhance the evaporation process. This resulted in a significantly higher water evaporation rate and efficiency.

JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

A Covalent Organic Framework/Graphene Dual-Region Hydrogel for Enhanced Solar-Driven Water Generation

Changxia Li et al.

Summary: A new material with dual-region hydrogel has been developed, which can effectively utilize solar energy, adjust wettability, and reduce energy demand for water evaporation. The material can generate steam at a high rate under solar irradiation and can be used to convert seawater and sewage into drinkable water, showing significant potential for water treatment.

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY (2022)

Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Advances in Field-Assisted 3D Printing of Bio-Inspired Composites: From Bioprototyping to Manufacturing

Xueli Zhou et al.

Summary: Biocomposite systems adapt to their environments by evolving superior structural strategies, utilizing limited materials to form functionality exceeding their inherent properties. The synergy of physical-field and 3D printing technologies offers unprecedented opportunities for precise replication of bio-enhanced structures, overcoming traditional manufacturing limitations.

MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Magnetically Driven Tunable 3D Structured Fe3O4 Vertical Array for High-Performance Solar Steam Generation

Xiangyi Zhang et al.

Summary: The structural design of the solar-absorbing layer, in combination with spray-coating methods, can achieve high-performance solar energy-driven steam generation systems with advantages such as high solar absorbance and evaporation rate.
Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Direct Ink Writing: A 3D Printing Technology for Diverse Materials

M. A. S. R. Saadi et al.

Summary: Direct ink writing (DIW) is a versatile 3D printing technique that allows printing of a wide range of materials. This comprehensive review explores the process of DIW printing of complex 3D structures and discusses its diverse applications in various industries.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (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)

Review Engineering, Multidisciplinary

Recent advances in 3D printing of tough hydrogels: A review

Xin Ning Zhang et al.

Summary: This paper reviews the recent progress in 3D printing of tough hydrogels and their applications. It provides an overview of the advantages and requirements of tough hydrogel systems for specific 3D printing technologies, and summarizes the network structures, mechanical performances, toughening mechanisms, and representative applications of the printed tough hydrogels. It also discusses the recent advances in 4D printing of tough hydrogels as a prospective direction for soft actuators and robots.

COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Cost-Effective Fabrication of Micro-Nanostructured Superhydrophobic Polyethylene/Graphene Foam with Self-Floating, Optical Trapping, Acid-/Alkali Resistance for Efficient Photothermal Deicing and Interfacial Evaporation

Heng Xie et al.

Summary: A new method using polymer molding is proposed to fabricate lightweight polyethylene/graphene nanosheets foam with a micro-nanostructured surface, providing self-cleaning, anti-icing, and photothermal deicing properties. As a self-floating solar evaporator, the foam exhibits excellent evaporation rate and salt rejecting performance.
Article Chemistry, Physical

All-in-one polymer sponge composite 3D evaporators for simultaneous high-flux solar-thermal desalination and electricity generation

Yangzhe Xu et al.

Summary: This study presents a 3D dual-functional solar-thermal evaporator that can simultaneously produce high-flux desalinated water and generate electricity. The sponge composites used in the evaporator exhibit superior solar absorption and anti-salt fouling capabilities, allowing for stable production of clean water and electricity under solar irradiation.

NANO ENERGY (2022)

Article Energy & Fuels

Fabrication of Monopile Polymer Foams via Rotating Gas Foaming: Hybrid Applications in Solar-Powered Interfacial Evaporation and Water Remediation

Lifang Qiao et al.

Summary: Closed-cell 3D polymer foams fabricated through rotating gas-foaming technique have significant applications in solar-powered interfacial evaporation. These foams possess controlled shapes and heights, ultralight weight, efficient water diffusion, and optimized energy input. Moreover, the introduction of specific materials on the foam enables water remediation beyond clean water production.

SOLAR RRL (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

3D Hydrogel Evaporator with Vertical Radiant Vessels Breaking the Trade-Off between Thermal Localization and Salt Resistance for Solar Desalination of High-Salinity

Xinghang Liu et al.

Summary: In this study, a 3D hydrogel evaporator with vertical radiant vessels was prepared to overcome the trade-off between water transport and heat conduction loss, achieving high-rate and stable solar desalination of high-salinity. The unique hierarchical structure of the evaporator facilitated self-salt-discharge and low thermal conductivity, resulting in groundbreaking performance in terms of evaporation rate and salinity.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (2022)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Sorbents for Atmospheric Water Harvesting: From Design Principles to Applications

Wen Shi et al.

Summary: This article reviews recent progress in AWH sorbent design and study, covering innovative chemistries, integration of sophisticated architectures and functional components, and clarifies the structure-property-performance relationship. Summaries of different sorbents' features and limitations, discussions on applications, and future developments are provided.

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, Multidisciplinary

Superelastic 3D Assembled Clay/Graphene Aerogels for Continuous Solar Desalination and Oil/Organic Solvent Absorption

Meichun Ding et al.

Summary: Superelastic, arbitrary-shaped, and 3D assembled clay/graphene aerogels (CGAs) fabricated using commercial foam as sacrificial skeleton possess superelasticity, hydrophobicity, and high solvent absorption capacity, with the potential for reuse. The study also demonstrates a novel design of hydrophilic CGA equipped with a salt collection system for continuous solar desalination.

ADVANCED SCIENCE (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Exhausted Cr(VI) Sensing/Removal Aerogels Are Recycled for Water Purification and Solar-Thermal Energy Generation

Xiaoning Li et al.

Summary: The study involves the creation of a multifunctional CPC aerogel with efficient Cr(VI) adsorption capacity, meeting industrial water safety standards. It can be used for solar thermoelectric power generation and seawater desalination.
Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

2D Higher-Metal Nitride Nanosheets for Solar Steam Generation

Lifeng Wang et al.

Summary: It is reported that higher-metal molybdenum nitride nanosheets (HM-Mo5N6) can be synthesized at a gram-scale using amine-functionalized MoS2 as precursor. These materials exhibit excellent solar evaporation rate and efficiency, making them suitable for solar steam generation applications.
Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

A reconfigurable and magnetically responsive assembly for dynamic solar steam generation

Yajie Hu et al.

Summary: This study developed a reconfigurable and magnetically responsive evaporator with conic arrays, which improves the efficiency of water transportation and evaporation through dynamic assembly and reconfiguration. It provides a new direction for the development of high-performance water evaporation systems.

NATURE COMMUNICATIONS (2022)

Article Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

Efficient Solar-Powered Interfacial Evaporation, Water Remediation, and Waste Conversion Based on a Tumbler-Inspired, All-Cellulose, and Monolithic Design

Jintao He et al.

Summary: This study develops a cellulose-based aerogel with excellent anti-overturning stability and high evaporation rate, achieving efficient steam generation in waves. Furthermore, a solar water purification device constructed with this aerogel achieves an ultra-high daily water yield and can purify wastewater through adsorption. In addition, the catalyst obtained from the pyrolysis of the aerogel demonstrates the potential for waste conversion.

ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS (2022)

Article Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

Photothermal Aerogel Beads Based on Polysaccharides: Controlled Fabrication and Hybrid Applications in Solar-Powered Interfacial Evaporation, Water Remediation, and Soil Enrichment

Jingjing Li et al.

Summary: This study develops composite aerogel beads with hydrophilicity, porosity, photothermal properties, and durability, and demonstrates their applications in solar-powered interfacial evaporation, water remediation, and controlled soil enrichment. The beads have high water evaporation rate and phosphate adsorption capacity, and can gradually release nutrients in the soil, promoting plant growth.

ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Fully Lignocellulosic Biomass-Based Double-Layered Porous Hydrogel for Efficient Solar Steam Generation

Xuliang Lin et al.

Summary: The study presents a fully lignocellulosic biomass-based hydrogel evaporator, which shows high evaporation rate and photothermal conversion efficiency, being able to produce freshwater from seawater. It also exhibits excellent salt resistance, durability, and long-term stability.

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Physical

A multichannel photothermal rod for antigravity water transportation and high-flux solar steam generation

Chenyang Dang et al.

Summary: This article introduces the concept of a multichannel photothermal rod (MCPR) as a solar interfacial material, capable of efficiently processing sewage and producing freshwater. With features such as antigravity water transport and omnidirectional solar energy collection, the MCPR can achieve a production rate of 18.8 kg m(-2) h(-1) under 1 sun.

JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Cellulose Nanomaterials in Interfacial Evaporators for Desalination: A Natural Choice

Sisi Cao et al.

Summary: This paper summarizes the recent advances in utilizing cellulose to create highly efficient solar evaporators for addressing the global water crisis. It highlights the potential and advantages of cellulose-based materials in the field of solar evaporators, as well as the application of different cellulose materials in achieving solar steam generation. The outstanding challenges that need to be addressed in utilizing these materials and devices in real-world applications are also briefly mentioned.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (2021)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Thermally Insulating Nanocellulose-Based Materials

Varvara Apostolopoulou-Kalkavoura et al.

Summary: Thermally insulating materials based on renewable nanomaterials like nanocellulose have the potential to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact in the building sector. Recent advances in superinsulating cellulose nanomaterial-based aerogels and foams have shown significantly better heat transport properties than traditional materials, leading to increased research activity in this area.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (2021)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Robust, 3D-printed hydratable plastics for effective solar desalination

J. Justin Koh et al.

Summary: Hydratable plastics are introduced as an effective material for solar desalination, achieving high evaporation rates through 3D printing technology. Improving rehydration rates can overcome saturation issues at higher irradiation levels. Water molecules are found to be more locally ordered in hydrated cellulose, leading to reduced vaporisation enthalpy.

NANO ENERGY (2021)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Controlled Vertically Aligned Structures in Polymer Composites: Natural Inspiration, Structural Processing, and Functional Application

Chuxin Lei et al.

Summary: Vertically aligned structures in polymeric composite materials have attracted considerable attention and witnessed extensive development in recent years. This study summarizes different configurations inspired by natural biological samples, discusses relevant processing methods, and highlights diverse applications in various fields.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Superelastic, Hygroscopic, and Ionic Conducting Cellulose Nanofibril Monoliths by 3D Printing

Yuan Chen et al.

Summary: A compressible and superelastic 3D-printed cellulose nanofibril monolith with high performance in elasticity, compressibility, and pressure sensitivity was achieved through hierarchical architecture design and the addition of hygroscopic salt. This design strategy is expected to expand to materials beyond cellulose and have broader applications in flexible sensors, thermal insulation, and other fields.

ACS NANO (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Solar-Driven Interfacial Evaporation and Self-Powered Water Wave Detection Based on an All-Cellulose Monolithic Design

Na Li et al.

Summary: Solar-driven interfacial evaporation technology shows great potential for water distillation and desalination, but faces challenges due to high costs and complex fabrication. A new all-cellulose-based interfacial steam generator utilizing renewable bacterial cellulose has been developed, offering efficient evaporation and durability. This technology not only contributes to sustainable clean water production, but also demonstrates the integration of solar evaporation with water wave detection using a self-powered triboelectric nanogenerator.

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS (2021)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Alignment of Cellulose Nanofibers: Harnessing Nanoscale Properties to Macroscale Benefits

Kai Li et al.

Summary: Cellulose nanofibers form hierarchical structures and the alignment of these fibers significantly influences the performance of materials. Reviews on cellulose nanofibers alignment are limited, but offer opportunities for future research and development.

ACS NANO (2021)

Review Chemistry, Applied

Nanocellulose-based lightweight porous materials: A review

Yan Sun et al.

Summary: Nanocellulose, with its unique properties and versatile applications, has been extensively studied as a promising base material for lightweight porous materials. The preparation methods, including gelation and drying processes, as well as the characteristics and influencing factors of different drying methods, play essential roles in determining the structure and properties of nanocellulose-based lightweight porous materials. The applications of nanocellulose-based lightweight porous materials in various fields such as adsorption, biomedicine, energy storage, thermal insulation, sound absorption, flame retardancy, and catalysis are also highlighted in this review.

CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS (2021)

Article Engineering, Environmental

3D printing of lightweight, super-strong yet fl exible all-cellulose structure

Jungang Jiang et al.

Summary: Lightweight and super-strong honeycomb structures are constructed using 3D printing of all-cellulose ink, demonstrating switchable high elasticity in the wet state and high rigidity in the dry state. The superb printing and mechanical properties are attributed to controlled dissolution and regeneration of cellulose, as well as shear-induced cellulose alignment during printing. Additionally, the all-cellulose honeycomb structure shows good thermal insulation properties after filling with cellulose nanofibrils aerogel.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (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

All-Cold Evaporation under One Sun with Zero Energy Loss by Using a Heatsink Inspired Solar Evaporator

Xuan Wu et al.

Summary: The development of a novel heatsink-like evaporator has enabled absolute cold evaporation, eliminating energy losses and significantly enhancing energy efficiency during solar steam generation. This technology achieves extremely high evaporation rates and massive energy harvesting from the environment.

ADVANCED SCIENCE (2021)

Article Energy & Fuels

A Hollow and Compressible 3D Photothermal Evaporator for Highly Efficient Solar Steam Generation without Energy Loss

Ting Gao et al.

Summary: A 3D hollow and compressible photothermal evaporator is designed to address the issue of consuming more materials and storage space, enabling easier transport and storage. With all-cold evaporation surfaces, the evaporator is able to harvest massive energy from the surroundings and achieve an extremely high evaporation rate under 1.0 sun irradiation.

SOLAR RRL (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Confinement Capillarity of Thin Coating for Boosting Solar-Driven Water Evaporation

Zhenxing Wang et al.

Summary: Using confinement capillarity on porous sponge with photothermal thin coating is an effective way to enhance solar-driven water evaporation rate. The formation of ultrathin water layer can increase evaporation area and prevent excessive water heating, significantly improving the rate of solar steam generation. Photothermal materials with confinement capillarity possess high evaporation rate and anti-salt-accumulation property.

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Anisotropic Evaporator with a T-Shape Design for High-Performance Solar-Driven Zero-Liquid Discharge

Hanwen Liu et al.

Summary: The study introduces a T-shaped solar-driven evaporator design, which can achieve high evaporation rate and salt collection simultaneously, with stability and zero liquid discharge features.
Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Facile Fabrication of Densely Packed Ti3C2 MXene/Nanocellulose Composite Films for Enhancing Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Electro-/Photothermal Performance

Zehang Zhou et al.

Summary: This study proposes a layer-by-layer assembly of cellulose nanofiber and two-dimensional titanium carbide composite materials on bacterial cellulose substrate, preparing multifunctional films with excellent performance in flexibility, mechanical strength, toughness, electromagnetic shielding efficiency, and electro/photothermal heating. The densely packed hierarchical structure and strong interfacial interactions contribute to the outstanding mechanical properties of the films, making them promising for practical applications in EMI shielding and ice accretion elimination.

ACS NANO (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Self-Repairing and Damage-Tolerant Hydrogels for Efficient Solar-Powered Water Purification and Desalination

Fangbin Li et al.

Summary: The study demonstrates a monolithic, durable, and self-floating interfacial steam generator with self-healing hydrogels, achieving high water evaporation rates under sunlight and a broad range of salinity. This highlights the future opportunities in self-healing and damage-tolerant materials to improve the performance, durability, and lifetime of interfacial steam generators.

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

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

Haoxuan Li et al.

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.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

3D Printing a Biomimetic Bridge-Arch Solar Evaporator for Eliminating Salt Accumulation with Desalination and Agricultural Applications

Miaomiao Zou et al.

Summary: The biomimetic 3D bridge-arch solar evaporator inspired by nature has shown great efficiency in long-term salt rejection without the need for post-cleaning treatment.

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)

Review Environmental Sciences

Freshwater Scarcity

Peter H. Gleick et al.

Summary: Understanding and addressing water scarcity is crucial for sustainable management and use of fresh water resources. Strategies to reduce the adverse consequences of water scarcity include developing alternative water sources, improving water-use efficiency, and changing systems of water management and planning.

ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCES, VOL 46, 2021 (2021)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Recent developments in physical, biological, chemical, and hybrid treatment techniques for removing emerging contaminants from wastewater

S. F. Ahmed et al.

Summary: Various treatment technologies have been developed for the removal of emerging contaminants (ECs) from wastewater, with hybrid systems being found to be more efficient compared to individual technologies. A hybrid technique combining ozonation with activated carbon has been particularly effective in removing certain ECs, such as pharmaceuticals and pesticides. While nanotechnology shows promise, extensive research and development are necessary to fully and effectively remove ECs from wastewater.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2021)

Review Engineering, Chemical

Seawater desalination by reverse osmosis: Current development and future challenges in membrane fabrication ? A review

Yu Jie Lim et al.

Summary: This review focuses on the key technology and challenges of seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) membranes, summarizing recent advances and future directions. It highlights the research findings on improving permselectivity, boron rejection, and chlorine resistance of SWRO membranes, and emphasizes the critical strategies for developing the next generation TFC membranes.

JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Aligned Millineedle Arrays for Solar Power Seawater Desalination with Site-Specific Salt Formation

Zhongming Huang et al.

Summary: The study demonstrated a simple solar evaporator technology utilizing an array of millineedles for efficient solar water evaporation and controlled salt formation, achieving an energy conversion efficiency of 94.5% and salt harvesting capacity.
Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Conformal Microfluidic-Blow-Spun 3D Photothermal Catalytic Spherical Evaporator for Omnidirectional Enhanced Solar Steam Generation and CO2 Reduction

Hao Liu et al.

Summary: Solar-driven water evaporation and fuel generation using a 3D photothermal catalytic spherical evaporator show enhanced efficiency due to omni-directional solar absorption and utilization of energy from the warmer environment. The technology combines efficient light absorbers, thermal insulation, and efficient water transportation to achieve high evaporation rates and clean fuel production.

ADVANCED SCIENCE (2021)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Dynamic Anti-Icing Surfaces (DAIS)

Feng Wang et al.

Summary: Recent advancements in surface icephobicity have highlighted the importance of understanding the dynamic properties of the ice-substrate interface for designing effective anti-icing surfaces. Research has shown that considering the time-evolving properties of this interface is crucial for meeting challenges posed by harsh environments.

ADVANCED SCIENCE (2021)

Article Chemistry, Physical

A 3D-printed integrated MXene-based evaporator with a vertical array structure for salt-resistant solar desalination

Yi Yang et al.

Summary: The novel 3D integrated evaporator, utilizing different materials, achieves dual advantages of high photo-to-heat conversion efficiency and rapid desalination, with high light absorption rate and effective thermal confinement, improving thermal efficiency and desalination performance.

JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A (2021)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Passive, high-efficiency thermally-localized solar desalination

Lenan Zhang et al.

Summary: Solar desalination technologies show great potential for addressing the water-energy nexus, but bridging the gap between laboratory scale innovations and commercial applications is crucial. Key factors such as water production, reliability, and cost balance need to be systematically addressed to enable high-performance solar desalination systems.

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (2021)

Review Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Hybrid solar-driven interfacial evaporation systems: Beyond water production towards high solar energy utilization

Tianpeng Ding et al.

Summary: Solar-driven interfacial evaporation technology has attracted research attention, and optimizing photothermal conversion and thermal management improves performance. Hybrid systems designed with heat localization strategy can enhance solar energy utilization and have potential applications in various fields.

MATERIALS TODAY (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Smart Sponge for Fast Liquid Absorption and Thermal Responsive Self-Squeezing

Ying Cui et al.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (2020)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Superhydrophobic photothermal icephobic surfaces based on candle soot

Shuwang Wu et al.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (2020)

Review Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

Structure-property-function relationships of natural and engineered wood

Chaoji Chen et al.

NATURE REVIEWS MATERIALS (2020)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Tailoring surface wetting states for ultrafast solar-driven water evaporation

Youhong Guo et al.

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (2020)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Highly efficient solar anti-icing/deicing via a hierarchical structured surface

Chenyang Wu et al.

MATERIALS HORIZONS (2020)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Ultrahigh-efficiency desalination via a thermally-localized multistage solar still

Zhenyuan Xu et al.

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (2020)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

A High-Performance Self-Regenerating Solar Evaporator for Continuous Water Desalination

Yudi Kuang et al.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (2019)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Icephobic surfaces: Definition and figures of merit

Peyman Irajizad et al.

ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE (2019)