Bioinspired photothermal zwitterionic fibrous membrane for high-efficiency solar desalination and electricity generation

Yuzhu Wang, Feng Chen, Qiaochu Chen, Wei Liu, Qihang Huang, Xinru Hou, Shuang Li, Chong Cheng, Xiaodong Xie, Nan Meng () and Yaozu Liao ()
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Yuzhu Wang: Donghua University
Feng Chen: Donghua University
Qiaochu Chen: Donghua University
Wei Liu: Donghua University
Qihang Huang: Donghua University
Xinru Hou: Donghua University
Shuang Li: Sichuan University
Chong Cheng: Sichuan University
Xiaodong Xie: The General Hospital of Western Theater Command
Nan Meng: Donghua University
Yaozu Liao: Donghua University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Solar-driven desalination holds great promise for addressing the scarcity of global freshwater. However, salt accumulation remains a significant challenge, particularly for two-dimensional membrane materials. Inspired by aquaporins, we design a porous zwitterionic fibrous membrane that selectively transports water while rejecting Na+ and Cl−, achieving efficient evaporation and salt resistance. The incorporation of porphyrin-based conjugated microporous polymers enhances photothermal conversion and antibacterial properties, while zwitterionic groups and porous structure disrupt high-salinity gradients, effectively preventing salt deposition. The membrane achieves an evaporation rate of 2.64 kg m−2 h−1 and a photothermal efficiency of 97.6% under 1 kW m−2 solar irradiation. Furthermore, the coupling of photothermal evaporator and thermoelectric module achieves a stable electric output (power density: 1.5 W m−2). This work presents a synergistic strategy for salt resistance, water purification and energy generation, advancing the design of solar-thermal-electric integrated systems.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61244-9

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