Tree-inspired fabric-based of carbon fiber photothermal evaporator for highly efficient water-evaporation desalination

• Published in: Journal of water process engineering Vol. 65; p. 105878
• Main Authors: Hua, Kerun, Li, Jiugang, Qiao, Haoran, He, Jiahao, Bao, Mengzhe, Li, Wenbin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2024
• Subjects: Carbon fiber; Photothermal; Seawater desalination; Weaving; Wrap yarn; Weaving; Wrap yarn; Photothermal; Seawater desalination; Carbon fiber
• ISSN: 2214-7144; 2214-7144
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jwpe.2024.105878

Recently, researchers have increasingly focused on interfacial solar evaporation technology due to its potential in addressing freshwater scarcity through its cleanliness, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. However, developing salt-resistant evaporation devices with high performance using simple processing methods remains challenging. This study presents a novel core-spun composite yarn, utilizing Tencel as the core for its water absorption properties and wrapping it with carbon fiber bundles known for their excellent light absorption capabilities. A photothermal composite yarn fabric evaporation device with a bridge-like structure, utilizing carbon fiber and crafted through three-dimensional braiding technology, was developed. The inclusion of polystyrene foam ensures stable floating and excellent thermal insulation, enhancing thermal management efficiency of the evaporator. Results indicate a stable evaporation rate of 1.71 kg·m−2·h−1 under 1 sun illumination and effectively prevents salt crystallization during prolonged simulated seawater evaporation, specifically with a 10 wt% NaCl solution. This research lays a valuable foundation for designing uncomplicated, efficient, and scalable solar water evaporation devices. Prepared a bridge-style fabric evaporator with high evaporation rate, resistance to salt crystallization, environmental friendliness, etc., and its evaporation rate can reach a satisfactory 1.71 kg·m−2·h−1. This research lays a valuable foundation for designing uncomplicated, efficient, and scalable solar water evaporation devices. [Display omitted] •Innovative Composite Yarn: Innovative yarn combines carbon fibers & Tencel, boosting solar evaporation efficiency, overcoming a key obstacle to enhance device performance.•Advanced Fabrication Technique: Weaving tech creates bridge evaporator with high efficiency & durability, ensuring solar use & salt resistance, vital for sustainable freshwater.•Enhanced Evaporation Performance: Bridge evaporator achieves 1.715 kg m-2 h-1 evaporation rate under 1 kW m-2 solar intensity, demonstrating tech's effectiveness in freshwater production.•Reference for future design: This work offers valuable design insights for solar water evaporators, paving the way for advancements & practical apps in freshwater production & beyond.