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Li M, Liang X, Xie P, Zhang C, Chen Y, Wang C, Zhou L, Wang T, Liu H. Hierarchical porous structure design and water activation in hydrogels containing hyperbranched peach gum polysaccharide for efficient solar water evaporation. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 278:134455. [PMID: 39168201 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Solar-powered interfacial evaporation is a developing and sustainable technique increasingly utilized in desalination and wastewater purification. This technology involves the creation of cellulose nanofiber (CNF)/polylactic acid (PLA) composite aerogels through the Pickering emulsion approach. Self-floating aero-hydrogel (E-VGP) with a hierarchical porous structure was formed on a viscous mixture containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), peach gum polysaccharide (PGP), and polypyrrole (PPy) via an in-situ polymerization process. Furthermore, by modifying the hydrolysis time of PGP with a hyperbranched polyhydroxy structure, VGP hybrid hydrogels of varying microscopic molecular sizes were produced. Additionally, solar vapor generators (SVG) with diverse macroscopic structures were fabricated using molds. The V8G4-12hP0.2 hybrid hydrogel, synthesized using PGP hydrolyzed for 12 h, exhibited an evaporation enthalpy of water at 1204 J g-1. This capacity effectively activates water and enables low enthalpy evaporation. Conversely, the macrostructural design allows the cylindrical rod raised sundial-shaped structure of SVG3 to possess an expanded evaporation area, minimize energy loss, and even harness additional energy from its nonradiative side. Consequently, this micro-macrostructural design enables SVG3 to attain an exceptionally high evaporation rate of 3.13 kg m-2 h-1 under 1 Sun exposure. Moreover, SVG3 demonstrates robust water purification abilities, suggesting significant potential for application in both desalination and industrial wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxing Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Optical and Electronic Materials and Devices, and College of Material Science & Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Xiaolan Liang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Optical and Electronic Materials and Devices, and College of Material Science & Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Peiying Xie
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Optical and Electronic Materials and Devices, and College of Material Science & Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Chunzhi Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Optical and Electronic Materials and Devices, and College of Material Science & Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Yunhua Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.
| | - Chaoyang Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Optical and Electronic Materials and Devices, and College of Material Science & Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China; Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomedical Polymer Materials, College of Material Science & Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Tao Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Hongxia Liu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Optical and Electronic Materials and Devices, and College of Material Science & Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China; Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomedical Polymer Materials, College of Material Science & Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China.
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Sau S, Kundu S. Fabrication of highly stretchable salt and solvent blended PEDOT:PSS/PVA free-standing films: non-linear to linear electrical conduction response. RSC Adv 2024; 14:5193-5206. [PMID: 38332796 PMCID: PMC10851924 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra08260a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, ductile and conducting polymeric materials are highly utilizable in the realm of stretchable organic electronics. Here, mechanically ductile and electrically conducting free-standing films are fabricated by blending different solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), diethylene glycol (DEG) and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), and salts such as silver nitrate (AgNO3), zinc chloride (ZnCl2), copper chloride (CuCl2) and indium chloride (InCl3) with the homogeneous solution of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) through solution casting method. The presence of salt modifies the PEDOT conformation from benzoid to quinoid, and induces the evolution of different morphologies. ZnCl2 or AgNO3 blended films have lower surface roughness and good miscibility with polymers, while CuCl2 or InCl3 blended films have relatively higher surface roughness as well as irregularly distributed surface morphology. Some crystalline domains are also formed due to the salt agglomeration. The presence of salt inside PEDOT:PSS/PVA/solvent system changes the current-voltage response from non-linear to linear. Among all the films, zinc salt blended PEDOT:PSS/PVA/DMSO, PEDOT:PSS/PVA/DEG and PEDOT:PSS/PVA/DMF films have higher conductivity, and zinc salt blended PEDOT:PSS/PVA/DEG film shows the highest conductivity of 0.041 ± 0.0014 S cm-1, while silver salt blended PEDOT:PSS/PVA/DMSO, PEDOT:PSS/PVA/DEG and PEDOT:PSS/PVA/DMF films have higher elongation at break, and silver salt blended PEDOT:PSS/PVA/DMSO film shows the highest elongation at break of 670 ± 31%. Both the charge carriers, i.e., electrons and ions, contribute to the electrical conduction, and the presence of hydrogen bonds and ionic interactions among PEDOT+, PSS-, PVA, residual solvent, salt cations and anions modifies the film behaviours. Among all the films, ZnCl2 blended PEDOT:PSS/PVA/DMSO film offers relatively superior behaviours having higher conductivity (0.025 ± 0.0013 S cm-1) and elongation at break (517 ± 15%), and therefore can have potential applications in the fields of wearable devices, bioelectronics, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjib Sau
- Soft Nano Laboratory, Physical Sciences Division, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology Vigyan Path, Paschim Boragaon, Garchuk Guwahati Assam 781035 India
| | - Sarathi Kundu
- Soft Nano Laboratory, Physical Sciences Division, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology Vigyan Path, Paschim Boragaon, Garchuk Guwahati Assam 781035 India
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Du C, Fang K, Zhang H, Xu J, Sun MA, Yang S. Improved solar-driven water purification using an eco-friendly and cost-effective aerogel-based interfacial evaporator with exceptional photocatalytic capabilities. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 351:119916. [PMID: 38150926 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
As a promising solution to address the global challenge of freshwater scarcity, solar-powered interfacial steam generation has undergone notable advancements. This study introduces a novel solar-driven interfacial evaporation membrane (ZnIn2S4@SiO2/ACSA, ZSAS) comprising a ZnIn2S4@SiO2 composite and a black sodium alginate aerogel infused with activated carbon. The ZSAS membrane demonstrates exceptional light absorption and thermal insulation, leading to elevated surface temperatures and reduced heat dissipation into the bulk water. Furthermore, the incorporation of AC reinforces the mechanical properties of the ZSAS membrane and enhances the water purification performance. These collective features result in an impressive evaporation rate of 1.485 kg m-2 h-1 and a high photothermal conversion efficiency of 91.2% under 1 sun irradiation for the optimal ZSAS membrane. Moreover, the optimal ZSAS membrane can effectively remove salts, heavy metal ions, and organic pollutants, benefitting from its superior evaporation separation effect and the photocatalytic properties of the ZnIn2S4@SiO2 composite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Du
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, PR China
| | - Kun Fang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, 180 Siwangting Road, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225002, PR China
| | - Huanying Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, 180 Siwangting Road, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225002, PR China
| | - Jing Xu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, 180 Siwangting Road, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225002, PR China
| | - Ming-An Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, PR China.
| | - Shengyang Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, 180 Siwangting Road, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225002, PR China.
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Yan J, Wu Q, Wang J, Xiao W, Zhang G, Xue H, Gao J. Carbon nanofiber reinforced carbon aerogels for steam generation: Synergy of solar driven interface evaporation and side wall induced natural evaporation. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 641:1033-1042. [PMID: 36996682 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.03.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Solar-based interface evaporation (SIE) is a green, efficient and cost-effective technique to harvest fresh water. 3D solar evaporators show their unique advantages in gaining energy from environment and hence possess a higher evaporation rate than 2D evaporators. However, much effort is still required to develop mechanically robust and superhydrophilic 3D evaporators with strong water transportation capability and salt-rejection performance, and at the same time reveal how they gain energy from environment via the natural evaporation. In this work, a novel carbon nanofiber reinforced carbon aerogel (CNFA) is prepared for the SIE. The CNFA has a high light absorption up to 97.2% and outstanding photothermal conversion performance. The heteroatom doping and hierarchically porous structure endow the CNFA with superhydrophilicity and thus powerful water transportation capability and salt rejection performance. Benefiting from synergy of the SIE and side wall induced natural evaporation, the CNFA evaporator exhibits a high evaporation rate and efficiency (as high as 3.82 kg m-2h-1 and 95.5%, respectively) with long-term stability and durability. The CNFA can also work normally in high-salinity and corrosive seawater. This study demonstrates a new method to fabricate all-carbon aerogel solar evaporators and provides insights for the effective thermal management during the interface evaporation.
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Biochar-Based Photothermal Hydrogel for Efficient Solar Water Purification. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031157. [PMID: 36770825 PMCID: PMC9919770 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of technology for solar interface evaporation has a significant meaning for the sustainable use of water resources in remote regions. However, establishing a solar evaporator with a high evaporation rate and favorable water treatment capabilities remains challenging. In this work, we reported a silver nanoparticle (AgNP)@carbonized cattail (CC)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite hydrogel (ACPH) membrane. Because of the successfully loaded AgNPs, which have a photothermal synergy with the CC, the ACPH-10 membrane obtained an excellent photothermal conversion performance. Additionally, the hydrophilicity of the ACPH-10 membrane ensures a sustainable water supply which is necessary for the improvement of the evaporation rate. Therefore, the ACPH-10 membrane achieves an evaporation rate of 1.66 kg m-2 h-1 and an efficiency of 88.0%, attributed to the remarkable photothermal conversion and water transmission. More importantly, the membrane exhibits superior purification ability in a variety of sewage. Pollutant removal rates in heavy metal and organic dye sewage have exceeded 99.8%. As a result, the ACPH membrane holds great promise for wastewater recovery and seawater desalination, which can aid in resolving the water crisis issue.
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Molecular engineering of a synergistic photocatalytic and photothermal membrane for highly efficient and durable solar water purification. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.121037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Wang L, Wei J, Zhou C, Yang S. A Simple and Efficient Solar Interfacial Evaporation Device Based on Carbonized Cattail and Agarose Hydrogel for Water Evaporation and Purification. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:1076. [PMID: 36363631 PMCID: PMC9692801 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12111076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
One of the main trends in the development of solar interface evaporation technology is the simple, efficient, and environmentally friendly bio-based evaporation device. However, the development of bio-based evaporators with high water evaporation rates and good pollution removal capability is a significant challenge. Here, we present a carbonized cattail-agarose hydrogel (CCAH) membrane with numerous microchannels resembling bamboo knots, exceptional hydrophilicity, outstanding light absorption capability, and potent adsorption. Under one solar irradiation, its evaporation rate and efficiency reached 1.93 kg m-2 h-1 and 95.8%, respectively. More importantly, the CCAH membrane produces steam water that is almost totally free of salts (Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+), heavy metal ions (Pb2+, Cd2+, and Cr2+), and organic dyes (Rhodamine B, methylene blue, and methyl orange). The CCAH membrane is highly promising for the use of saltwater desalination and wastewater recovery to help people in impoverished areas with water scarcity problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wang
- School of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Nanjing Polytechnic Institute, 188 Xinle Road, Nanjing 210048, China
| | - Jilei Wei
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, 180 Siwangting Road, Yangzhou 225002, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, 180 Siwangting Road, Yangzhou 225002, China
- Department of Physical Sciences, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO 64093, USA
| | - Shengyang Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, 180 Siwangting Road, Yangzhou 225002, China
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