Quasi-waffle solar distiller for durable desalination of seawater

作者：Yanjun Wang, Yanjun Wang, Tianqi Wei, Yue Wang, Yue Wang, Jinjue Zeng, Tao Wang, Qi Wang, Shuo Zhang, Mengyue Zeng, Fengyue Wang, Pengcheng Dai, Xiangfen Jiang, Ming Zhe Hu, Jin Wei Zhao, Zheng Hu, Jia Zhu, Xuebin Wang · 发表于：Science Advances · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1126/sciadv.adk1113 · 被引用次数：76 · 研究领域：Solar-Powered Water Purification Methods、Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems、Membrane Separation Technologies

Water purification via interfacial solar steam generation exhibits promising potential. However, salt crystallization on evaporators reduces solar absorption and obstructs water supply. To address it, a waffle-shaped solar evaporator (WSE) has been designed. WSE is fabricated via a zinc-assisted pyrolysis route, combining low-cost biomass carbon sources, recyclable zinc, and die-stamping process. This route enables cost-effective production without the need of sophisticated processing. As compared to conventional plane-shaped evaporators, WSE is featured by extra sidewalls for triggering the convection with the synergistic solute and thermal Marangoni effects. Consequently, WSE achieves spontaneous salt rejection and durable evaporation stability. It has demonstrated continuous operation for more than 60 days in brine without fouling.