A 3D-printed integrated MXene-based evaporator with a vertical array structure for salt-resistant solar desalination. Issue 42 (21st October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Yi; Fan, Wei; Yuan, Shijia; Tian, Jing; Chao, Guojie; Liu, Tianxi
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 9:Issue 42(2021)
• Page Start: 23968
• Page End: 23976
• Publication Date: 2021-10-21
• Subjects: Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/d1ta07225k
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-7488

Abstract

Abstract : A 3D integrated MXene-based evaporator, combining polyimide/MXene (PIM) aerogel arrays as the upper layer and polyimide (PI) aerogel lattices as the bottom layer, can achieve efficient photo-to-heat conversion and excellent salt-resistance in the same system. Abstract : High photo-to-heat conversion efficiency and excellent desalination performance are both urgent requirements for solar evaporators in actual applications. However, due to the limitation of a single structure and material, the traditional 3D evaporator cannot achieve both high efficiency photo-to-heat conversion and rapid salt removal at the same time. Herein, we report a three-dimensional (3D) integrated evaporator using 3D printing technology, which combines polyimide/MXene (PIM) aerogel arrays as the upper layer and polyimide (PI) aerogel lattices as the bottom layer. The PIM aerogel arrays exhibit a high light absorption rate of 91.3%, and the array structure functions as effective thermal confinement that greatly prevents heat loss while allowing steam to escape into the air. The PI aerogel lattices can form multi-directional mass transfer channels for fast water transport and enable rapid salt particle dissolution, thus inhibiting salt accumulation. Consequently, the 3D integrated evaporator displays both a remarkable photo-to-heat conversion efficiency of 99.7% and superior desalination performance under 1 sun illumination. This paper presents a novel insight for designing salt-resistant solar evaporation systems and can help to overcome the dilemma of water scarcity.