Nano/microstructured materials for solar-driven interfacial evaporators towards water purification. Issue 24 (7th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meng, Fantao; Ju, Benzhi; Zhang, Shufen; Tang, Bingtao
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 9:Issue 24(2021)
• Page Start: 13746
• Page End: 13769
• Publication Date: 2021-06-07
• Subjects: Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/d1ta02202d
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-7488

Abstract

Abstract : This review summarizes the representative progress of solar evaporators and their practical utilization towards water purification from the perspective of nano/microstructured material architecture designs. Abstract : The scarcity of clean water is one of the most pervasive issues in human society. On-site extraction of clean water from seawater and wastewater is regarded as the most applicable scheme for meeting the growing demand. However, most conventional water purification technologies are generally considered energy or cost intensive. In recent years, the rapid development of solar-driven interfacial evaporation has injected new vitality into the field of clean water production. For interfacial evaporators, nano/microstructured materials are the core components to achieve nearly 100% energy efficiency through maximizing light harvesting, synergistically assisting water supply, and suppressing heat dissipation. In this review, the design and optimization guidelines of evaporators with ultrahigh performance are first explored from the perspective of nano/microstructured materials, including photothermal materials, functional water-replenishment substrates, and structural engineering strategies. Benefiting from the excellent characteristics of the introduced nano/microstructured materials, the applications of long-term salt rejection in seawater desalination and the separation of different contaminants in wastewater remediation were further presented. Finally, prospects and recommendations for the future development are proposed.