Highly efficient three-dimensional solar evaporator for high salinity desalination by localized crystallization

Lei Wu, Zhichao Dong, Zheren Cai, Turga Ganapathy, Niocholas X. Fang, Chuxin Li, Cunlong Yu, Yu Zhang and Yanlin Song ()
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Lei Wu: Key Laboratory of Green Printing, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Zhichao Dong: CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Sciences, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Zheren Cai: Key Laboratory of Green Printing, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Turga Ganapathy: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Niocholas X. Fang: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Chuxin Li: CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Sciences, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Cunlong Yu: Beihang University
Yu Zhang: Key Laboratory of Green Printing, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yanlin Song: Key Laboratory of Green Printing, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Solar-driven water evaporation represents an environmentally benign method of water purification/desalination. However, the efficiency is limited by increased salt concentration and accumulation. Here, we propose an energy reutilizing strategy based on a bio-mimetic 3D structure. The spontaneously formed water film, with thickness inhomogeneity and temperature gradient, fully utilizes the input energy through Marangoni effect and results in localized salt crystallization. Solar-driven water evaporation rate of 2.63 kg m−2 h−1, with energy efficiency of >96% under one sun illumination and under high salinity (25 wt% NaCl), and water collecting rate of 1.72 kg m−2 h−1 are achieved in purifying natural seawater in a closed system. The crystalized salt freely stands on the 3D evaporator and can be easily removed. Additionally, energy efficiency and water evaporation are not influenced by salt accumulation thanks to an expanded water film inside the salt, indicating the potential for sustainable and practical applications.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14366-1

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