Solar-driven interfacial evaporation

Peng Tao, George Ni, Chengyi Song, Wen Shang, Jianbo Wu, Jia Zhu (), Gang Chen () and Tao Deng ()
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Peng Tao: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
George Ni: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Chengyi Song: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Wen Shang: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Jianbo Wu: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Jia Zhu: Nanjing University
Gang Chen: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Tao Deng: Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Nature Energy, 2018, vol. 3, issue 12, 1031-1041

Abstract: Abstract As a ubiquitous solar-thermal energy conversion process, solar-driven evaporation has attracted tremendous research attention owing to its high conversion efficiency of solar energy and transformative industrial potential. In recent years, solar-driven interfacial evaporation by localization of solar-thermal energy conversion to the air/liquid interface has been proposed as a promising alternative to conventional bulk heating-based evaporation, potentially reducing thermal losses and improving energy conversion efficiency. In this Review, we discuss the development of the key components for achieving high-performance evaporation, including solar absorbers, evaporation structures, thermal insulators and thermal concentrators, and discuss how they improve the performance of the solar-driven interfacial evaporation system. We describe the possibilities for applying this efficient solar-driven interfacial evaporation process for energy conversion applications. The exciting opportunities and challenges in both fundamental research and practical implementation of the solar-driven interfacial evaporation process are also discussed.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41560-018-0260-7

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