Si Yu Zheng,Jiahui Zhou,Mengjie Si,Shuaibing Wang,Fengbo Zhu,Ji Lin,Jimin Fu,Dong Zhang,Jintao Yang
Polyzwitterionic hydrogel is an emerging material for solar-driven water evaporation in saline environment due to its special anti-polyelectrolyte effect, which is a promising approach to co-generation of freshwater and electricity. However, the molecular impact on anti-polyelectrolyte effect remains unclear, let alone to optimize the zwitterionic structure to promote water evaporation efficiency in high-salinity brine. Herein, a molecularly engineered zwitterionic hydrogel is developed and the incorporated phenyl-methylene-imidazole motif greatly enhances the salt binding ability and strengthens anti-polyelectrolyte effect, leading to boosted hydration, improved salt tolerance, ultra-low evaporation enthalpy (almost half of traditional zwitterionic gel), and durable anti-microbial ability in brine. Besides, gradient solar-thermal network is penetrated to optimize water transport channel and heat confinement. The gel exhibits excellent evaporation rate of 3.17 kg m −2 h −1 in seawater, which is 1.6 times of that in water and such high efficiency could be maintained during 8 h continuous desalination, demonstrating outstanding salt tolerance. The high flux of ion stream can generate considerable voltage (321.3 mV) simultaneously. This work will bring new insights to the understanding of anti-polyelectrolyte effect at molecular level and promote materials design for saline water evaporation.
The shortage of fossil fuels and freshwater resources has become a serious global issue. Using solar energy to extract clean water with a photothermal conversion technology is a green and sustainable desalination method. Integrated electricity generation during the desalination process maximizes energy utilization efficiency. Herein, a solar-driven steam and electricity generation (SSEG) system based on an all-in-one evaporator is prepared via a scalable technology. Carbon black is selected as the absorber for solar energy harvesting as well as the functional substance for simultaneous electricity generation. Fabric substrate with flexible structure, porous channel, and capillary effect is vital for directional brine supply, multiple solar absorption, and thermal management. The high evaporation rate (1.87 kg m −2 h −1 ) and voltage output (324 mV) can be achieved with an all-in-one device. The stable electricity output can be maintained over 40000 s. The SSEG performance remains constant after 15 operation cycles or 20 wash cycles. The integrated device balances excellent effectiveness and practicality, providing a viable path for clean desalination and electricity generation.
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