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Mate N, Nabeela K, Preethikumar G, Pillai S, Mobin SM. A lignin-derived carbon dot-upgraded bacterial cellulose membrane as an all-in-one interfacial evaporator for solar-driven water purification. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024; 11:5114-5122. [PMID: 39120441 DOI: 10.1039/d4mh00591k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Solar-driven interfacial evaporation has emerged as an efficient approach for wastewater treatment and seawater desalination. New trends demand adaptive technology to develop photothermal membranes with multifunctional features. Herein, we report a robust multi-purpose near-infrared (NIR)-active hydrogel composite (c-BC@N-LCD) from broad-spectrum active nitrogen-doped lignin-derived carbon dots (N-LCDs) covalently cross-linked with a bacterial cellulose (BC) matrix. BC provides adequate porosity and hydrophilicity required for easy water transport while managing heat loss. A commendable evaporation rate (ER) of 2.2 kg m-2 h-1 under one sun (1 kW m-2) is achieved by c-BC@N-LCD. The developed hydrogel system is also found to be efficient for desalination (∼2.1 kg m-2 h-1) and for remediating various pollutants (heavy metal ions, dyes, and pharmaceuticals) from feed water. The efficacy of the membrane remains unaltered by different grades of water, and hence can be adoptable for economically stressed communities living in water-polluted regions as well as those residing in coastal areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmiti Mate
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Khandwa Road, Indore 453552, India
| | - Kallayi Nabeela
- Centre for Advanced Electronics (CAE), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore, Simrol, Khandwa Road, Indore 453552, India
| | - Gopika Preethikumar
- Materials Science and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 019, India
- Materials Science and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 019, India.
| | - Saju Pillai
- Materials Science and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 019, India
- Materials Science and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 019, India.
| | - Shaikh M Mobin
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Khandwa Road, Indore 453552, India
- Centre for Advanced Electronics (CAE), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore, Simrol, Khandwa Road, Indore 453552, India
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2
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Zhang D, Zhang S, Liang Q, Guan M, Zhang T, Chen S, Wang H. A Tent-Inspired Portable Solar-Driven Water Purification Device for Wilderness Explorers. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2311731. [PMID: 38321844 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202311731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Wilderness adventure favored by many enthusiasts often endanger lives due to lacking freshwater or drinking contaminated water. Therefore, compared to the inefficient methods of filtration, steaming, and direct solar heating, it is of great meaningfulness to develop a solar-driven water purification device with efficiency, lightweight, portability, and multi-water-quality purification by taking full advantage of solar-driven interfacial evaporation. Here, a tent-inspired portable solar-driven water purification device consisting of Janus-structured bacterial cellulose aerogel (JBCA) solar evaporator and tent-type condensation recovery device is reported. For the JBCA solar evaporator, it is prepared from biomass bacterial cellulose (BC) as raw material and hydroxylated carbon nanotubes (HCNT) as photothermal material, and the Janus property is achieved by the assistance of hydrophobic and hydrophilic chemical cross-linking. It exhibits lightweight, unibody, high photothermal conversion, efficient evaporation, and multi-water-quality purification capability for representative seawater, urine, and bacterial river water. For the tent-type condensation recovery device, it is based on the prototype of tent and uses flexible ultra-transparent polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film as raw material. Thanks to the rational prototype and material selection, it displays outstanding portability and lightweight through the folding/unfolding method. Therefore, the designed tent-inspired portable solar-driven water purification device demonstrates great potential application in wilderness exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Shengming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Qianqian Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Mengyao Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Shiyan Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Huaping Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
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Li J, Wang L, Zhang C, Wang H, Pan Y, Li S, Chen XK, Jia T, Wang K. Manipulation of the Self-Assembly Morphology by Side-Chain Engineering of Quinoxaline-Substituted Organic Photothermal Molecules for Highly Efficient Solar-Thermal Conversion and Applications. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202402726. [PMID: 38494458 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202402726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Organic photothermal materials have attracted increasing attention because of their structural diversity, flexibility, and compatibility. However, their energy conversion efficiency is limited owing to the narrow absorption spectrum, strong reflection/transmittance, and insufficient nonradiative decay. In this study, two quinoxaline-based D-A-D-A-D-type molecules with ethyl (BQE) or carboxylate (BQC) substituents were synthesized. Strong intramolecular charge transfer provided both molecules with a broad absorption range of 350-1000 nm. In addition, the high reorganization energy and weak molecular packing of BQE resulted in efficient nonradiative decay. More importantly, the self-assembly of BQE leads to a textured surface and enhances the light-trapping efficiency with significantly reduced light reflection/transmittance. Consequently, BQE achieved an impressive solar-thermal conversion efficiency of 18.16 % under 1.0 kW m-2 irradiation with good photobleaching resistance. Based on this knowledge, the water evaporation rate of 1.2 kg m-2 h-1 was attained for the BQE-based interfacial evaporation device with an efficiency of 83 % under 1.0 kW m-2 simulated sunlight. Finally, the synergetic integration of solar-steam and thermoelectric co-generation devices based on BQE was realized without significantly sacrificing solar-steam efficiency. This underscores the practical applications of BQE-based technology in effectively harnessing photothermal energy. This study provides new insights into the molecular design for enhancing light-trapping management by molecular self-assembly, paving the way for photothermal-driven applications of organic photothermal materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Luoqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Engineering Research Center of Forest Bio-Preparation, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Chenyang Zhang
- Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Han Wang
- School of Management, Xián Polytechnic University, Xián, 710600, China
| | - Yuyu Pan
- School of Petrochemical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, 30 Guanghua Street, Liaoyang, 111003, P. R. China
| | - Shizhang Li
- Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Xian-Kai Chen
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Jia
- Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Engineering Research Center of Forest Bio-Preparation, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), Xi'an, 710072, China
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4
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Wu Y, An C, Guo Y, Zong Y, Jiang N, Zheng Q, Yu ZZ. Highly Aligned Graphene Aerogels for Multifunctional Composites. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2024; 16:118. [PMID: 38361077 PMCID: PMC10869679 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-024-01357-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Stemming from the unique in-plane honeycomb lattice structure and the sp2 hybridized carbon atoms bonded by exceptionally strong carbon-carbon bonds, graphene exhibits remarkable anisotropic electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. To maximize the utilization of graphene's in-plane properties, pre-constructed and aligned structures, such as oriented aerogels, films, and fibers, have been designed. The unique combination of aligned structure, high surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical stability, thermal conductivity, and porous nature of highly aligned graphene aerogels allows for tailored and enhanced performance in specific directions, enabling advancements in diverse fields. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in highly aligned graphene aerogels and their composites. It highlights the fabrication methods of aligned graphene aerogels and the optimization of alignment which can be estimated both qualitatively and quantitatively. The oriented scaffolds endow graphene aerogels and their composites with anisotropic properties, showing enhanced electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties along the alignment at the sacrifice of the perpendicular direction. This review showcases remarkable properties and applications of aligned graphene aerogels and their composites, such as their suitability for electronics, environmental applications, thermal management, and energy storage. Challenges and potential opportunities are proposed to offer new insights into prospects of this material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Materials Intelligent Technology, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chao An
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Materials Intelligent Technology, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaru Guo
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Materials Intelligent Technology, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangyang Zong
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Materials Intelligent Technology, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Naisheng Jiang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Materials Intelligent Technology, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingbin Zheng
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518172, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhong-Zhen Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Ma H, Yu L, Li Z, Chen J, Meng J, Song Q, Liu Y, Wang Y, Wu Q, Miao M, Zhi C. A Lotus Seedpods-Inspired Interfacial Solar Steam Generator with Outstanding Salt Tolerance and Mechanical Properties for Efficient and Stable Seawater Desalination. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2304877. [PMID: 37635127 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Interfacial solar steam generators (ISSGs) can capture solar energy and concentrate the heat at the gas-liquid interface, resulting in efficient water evaporation. However, traditional ISSGs have limitations in long-term seawater desalination processes, such as limited light absorption area, slow water transport speed, severe surface salt accumulation, and weak mechanical performance. Inspired by lotus seedpods, a novel ISSG (rGO-SA-PSF) is developed by treating a 3D warp-knitted spacer fabric with plasma (PSF) and combining it with sodium alginate (SA) and reduces graphene oxide (rGO). The rGO-SA-PSF utilizes a core-suction effect to achieve rapid water pumping and employs aerogel to encapsulate the plasma-treated spacer yarns to create the lotus seedpod-inspired hydrophilic stems, innovatively constructing multiple directional water transport channels. Simultaneously, the large holes of rGO-SA-PSF on the upper layer form lotus seedpod-inspired head concave holes, enabling efficient light capture. Under 1 kW m-2 illumination, rGO-SA-PSF exhibits a rapid evaporation rate of 1.85 kg m-2 h-1 , with an efficiency of 96.4%. Additionally, it shows superior salt tolerance (with no salt accumulation during continuous evaporation for 10 h in 10% brine) and self-desalination performance during long-term seawater desalination processes. This biomimetic ISSG offers a promising solution for efficient and stable seawater desalination and wastewater purification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haodong Ma
- Key Laboratory of Functional Textile Material and Product, Ministry of Education, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710048, China
| | - Lingjie Yu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Textile Material and Product, Ministry of Education, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710048, China
| | - Zhenzhen Li
- Key Laboratory of Functional Textile Material and Product, Ministry of Education, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710048, China
| | - Jianglong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Functional Textile Material and Product, Ministry of Education, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710048, China
| | - Jiaguang Meng
- Key Laboratory of Functional Textile Material and Product, Ministry of Education, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710048, China
| | - Qingwen Song
- Key Laboratory of Functional Textile Material and Product, Ministry of Education, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710048, China
| | - Yaming Liu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Textile Material and Product, Ministry of Education, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710048, China
| | - Yongzhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Textile Material and Product, Ministry of Education, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710048, China
| | - Qian Wu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Textile Material and Product, Ministry of Education, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710048, China
| | - Menghe Miao
- Key Laboratory of Functional Textile Material and Product, Ministry of Education, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710048, China
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Chao Zhi
- Key Laboratory of Functional Textile Material and Product, Ministry of Education, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710048, China
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6
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Sun WB, Han ZM, Yue X, Zhang HY, Yang KP, Liu ZX, Li DH, Zhao YX, Ling ZC, Yang HB, Guan QF, Yu SH. Nacre-Inspired Bacterial Cellulose/Mica Nanopaper with Excellent Mechanical and Electrical Insulating Properties by Biosynthesis. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2300241. [PMID: 36971025 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202300241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The exploration of extreme environments has become necessary for understanding and changing nature. However, the development of functional materials suitable for extreme conditions is still insufficient. Herein, a kind of nacre-inspired bacterial cellulose (BC)/synthetic mica (S-Mica) nanopaper with excellent mechanical and electrical insulating properties that has excellent tolerance to extreme conditions is reported. Benefited from the nacre-inspired structure and the 3D network of BC, the nanopaper exhibits excellent mechanical properties, including high tensile strength (375 MPa), outstanding foldability, and bending fatigue resistance. In addition, S-Mica arranged in layers endows the nanopaper with remarkable dielectric strength (145.7 kV mm-1 ) and ultralong corona resistance life. Moreover, the nanopaper is highly resistant to alternating high and low temperatures, UV light, and atomic oxygen, making it an ideal candidate for extreme environment-resistant materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Bin Sun
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, Anhui Engineering Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials, Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Zi-Meng Han
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, Anhui Engineering Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials, Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Xin Yue
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, Anhui Engineering Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials, Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Hao-Yu Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, Anhui Engineering Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials, Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Kun-Peng Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, Anhui Engineering Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials, Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Zhao-Xiang Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, Anhui Engineering Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials, Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - De-Han Li
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, Anhui Engineering Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials, Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Yu-Xiang Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, Anhui Engineering Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials, Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Zhang-Chi Ling
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, Anhui Engineering Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials, Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Huai-Bin Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, Anhui Engineering Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials, Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Qing-Fang Guan
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, Anhui Engineering Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials, Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Shu-Hong Yu
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, Anhui Engineering Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials, Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Institute of Innovative Materials, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China
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Ma T, Kong Y, Liu H, Xu X, Yue Q, Gao B, Gao Y. One-step synthesis of Enteromorpha graphene aerogel modified by hydrophilic polyethylene glycol achieving high evaporation efficiency and pollutant tolerance. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 633:628-639. [PMID: 36481423 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.11.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Photothermal evaporation using solar energy is a sustainable way to produce fresh water from seawater. Aiming to explore functional materials as a solar-energized evaporator with enhanced evaporation rate and pollutant tolerance, this study was to synthesize a self-floating composite graphene aerogel (GA) doped with Enteromorpha and modified polyethylene glycol (PEG), named as PEGA using solar energy for desalination. Physio-chemical properties and evaporative mechanism of PEGA were experimentally investigated and analyzed with respect to molecular weight, PEG dosage, and ratio of Enteromorpha and graphene oxide. Experimental data revealed that the modification of PEG improved hydrophilic functional ability of PEGA, resulting in increasing the evaporation rate and photothermal conversion efficiency up to 2.55 kg/(m2·h) and 105.71 %, respectively. The ion removal rate of seawater exceeds 99.99 % via the PEGA conducted solar evaporation. Furthermore, PEGA possessed an excellent property of salinity emulsion pollution tolerance. Particularly, the evaporation rate of the PEG-modified biomass-based aerogel was 2.84 kg/(m2·h) in a 15 wt% NaCl solution (1 sun, 6 h) and 2.50 kg/(m2·h) at 1 h. The formation of hydrogen bonds between -OH of PEG and water molecules assist to conduct water along the graphene matrix to improve water evaporation. The cost of the graphene aerogel modified by Enteromorpha was reduced by 38.88 % less than the original graphene aerogel. The results from this study will greatly promote the application of graphene aerogel for desalination via solar evaporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Ma
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Yan Kong
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Haibao Liu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Xing Xu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Qinyan Yue
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Baoyu Gao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China.
| | - Yue Gao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China.
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8
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Polypyrrole solar evaporator designed based on the interface evaporation principle and its application in sewage treatment. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.130406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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9
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Gui Z, Xiang D. Hierarchically designed evaporators with dual-layered hydrogel/aerogel structure for efficient solar water evaporation. Sep Purif Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2023.123237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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10
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Islam S, Furuta H. Recent Development of Carbon-Nanotube-Based Solar Heat Absorption Devices and Their Application. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:3871. [PMID: 36364647 PMCID: PMC9658299 DOI: 10.3390/nano12213871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Population growth and the current global weather patterns have heightened the need to optimize solar energy harvesting. Solar-powered water filtration, electricity generation, and water heating have gradually multiplied as viable sources of fresh water and power generation, especially for isolated places without access to water and energy. The unique thermal and optical characteristics of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) enable their use as efficient solar absorbers with enhanced overall photothermal conversion efficiency under varying solar light intensities. Due to their exceptional optical absorption efficiency, low cost, environmental friendliness, and natural carbon availability, CNTs have attracted intense scientific interest in the production of solar thermal systems. In this review study, we evaluated CNT-based water purification, thermoelectric generation, and water heating systems under varying solar levels of illumination, ranging from domestic applications to industrial usage. The use of CNT composites or multilayered structures is also reviewed in relation to solar heat absorber applications. An aerogel containing CNTs was able to ameliorate water filtering performance at low solar intensities. CNTs with a Fresnel lens improved thermoelectric output power at high solar intensity. Solar water heating devices utilizing a nanofluid composed of CNTs proved to be the most effective. In this review, we also aimed to identify the most relevant challenges and promising opportunities in relation to CNT-based solar thermal devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiful Islam
- School of Systems Engineering, Kochi University of Technology, Kochi 782-8502, Japan
- Center for Nanotechnology, Research Institute, Kochi University of Technology, Kochi 782-8502, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Furuta
- School of Systems Engineering, Kochi University of Technology, Kochi 782-8502, Japan
- Center for Nanotechnology, Research Institute, Kochi University of Technology, Kochi 782-8502, Japan
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11
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Li J, Li N, Wu X, Wang S, Li S, Guo C, Yu L, Wang Z, Murto P, Xu X. Photothermal Aerogel Beads Based on Polysaccharides: Controlled Fabrication and Hybrid Applications in Solar-Powered Interfacial Evaporation, Water Remediation, and Soil Enrichment. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:50266-50279. [PMID: 36305787 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c16634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Solar-powered interfacial evaporation has emerged as an innovative and sustainable technology for clean water production. However, the rapid, mass and shape-controlled fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) steam generators (SGs) for versatile hybrid applications remains challenging. Herein, composite aerogel beads with self-contained properties (i.e., hydrophilic, porous, photothermal, and durable) are developed and demonstrated for threefold hybrid applications including efficient solar-powered interfacial evaporation, water remediation, and controlled soil enrichment. The rational incorporation of selected polysaccharides enables us to fabricate bead-like aerogels with rapid gelation, continuous processing, and enhanced ion adsorption. The composite beads can attain a high water evaporation rate of 1.62 kg m-2 h-1 under 1 sun. Meanwhile, high phosphate adsorption capacity of over 120 mg g-1 is achieved in broad pH (2.5-12.4) and concentration (200-1000 mg L-1) ranges of phosphate solutions. Gratifyingly, we demonstrate the first example of recycling biomaterials from interfacial SGs for controlled nutrient release, soil enrichment, and sustainable agriculture. The phosphate-saturated beads can be gradually broken down in the soil. Macronutrients (N, P, and K) can be slowly released in 50 days, sustaining the plant germination and growth in a whole growth stage. This work shines light on the mass and controlled fabrication of aerogel beads based on double-network biopolymers, not merely scaling up solar-powered interfacial evaporation but also considering water remediation, waste material disposal, and value-added conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Li
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Na Li
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Xiaochun Wu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Shuxue Wang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Shuai Li
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Cui Guo
- College of Marine Life Science, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Liangmin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
- Open Studio for Marine Corrosion and Protection, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Zhihang Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Petri Murto
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaofeng Xu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
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Chu A, Yang M, Yang H, Shi X, Chen J, Fang J, Wang Z, Li H. Sustainable Self-Cleaning Evaporators for Highly Efficient Solar Desalination Using a Highly Elastic Sponge-like Hydrogel. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:36116-36131. [PMID: 35913129 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c08561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Interfacial evaporation using light-absorbing hydrogels offers efficient solar evaporation performance under natural sunlight, ensuring an affordable clean water supply. However, achieving light-absorbing hydrogels with durable and efficient utilization is still a challenge due to inevitable salt accumulation, a difficult-to-control surface morphology, and poor mechanical properties on the surfaces of hydrogel-based evaporators. In this work, a photothermal sponge-like hydrogel with a 3D interconnected porous structure was constructed using low-cost activated carbon as a photothermal material, as well as a double-network polymer chain as the basic skeleton using a simple foaming polymerization strategy. The sponge-like hydrogel evaporator showed tailored surface topography, adequate water transport, excellent elasticity and toughness, good salt rejection, and thermal localization properties. Under the irradiation of simulated sunlight (1.0 kW/m2), a high evaporation rate of 2.33 kg·m-2·h-1 was achieved. Furthermore, efficient salt self-cleaning behavior was achieved due to the fast ion diffusion within the 3D interconnected porous structures. Even in highly concentrated brine of 15 wt %, continuous and efficient water evaporation was still achieved. The excellent evaporation and salt rejection properties of this photothermal sponge-like hydrogel indicated its promising long-term sustainable utilization in seawater desalination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aqiang Chu
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Energy Conservation in Chemical Process Integration and Resources Utilization, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Meng Yang
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Energy Conservation in Chemical Process Integration and Resources Utilization, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Hongda Yang
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Energy Conservation in Chemical Process Integration and Resources Utilization, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Xueqi Shi
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Energy Conservation in Chemical Process Integration and Resources Utilization, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Juanli Chen
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Energy Conservation in Chemical Process Integration and Resources Utilization, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Jing Fang
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Energy Conservation in Chemical Process Integration and Resources Utilization, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Zhiying Wang
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Energy Conservation in Chemical Process Integration and Resources Utilization, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Hao Li
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Energy Conservation in Chemical Process Integration and Resources Utilization, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
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