Rational construction of “all-in-one” metal-organic framework for integrated solar steam generation and advanced oxidation process

• Published in: Applied catalysis. B, Environmental Vol. 337; p. 123001
• Main Authors: He, Panpan, Lan, Hongyu, Bai, Huiying, Zhu, Yingying, Fan, Zifen, Liu, Jie, Liu, Lijie, Niu, Ran, Dong, Zhiyue, Gong, Jiang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.11.2023
• Subjects: Advanced oxidation process; Interfacial solar steam generation; Metal-organic framework; Peroxymonosulfate; Solar energy; Metal-organic framework; Peroxymonosulfate; Solar energy; Interfacial solar steam generation; Advanced oxidation process
• ISSN: 0926-3373; 1873-3883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2023.123001

Integrating interfacial solar steam generation with advanced oxidation process (AOP) is regarded as a promising strategy for addressing energy and environmental issues. However, developing dual-functional evaporators well-integrated with synergistic photothermal-AOP catalysis properties remains challenging. Herein, we synthesize cobalt-based metal-organic framework (Co-CAT) and prepare dual-functional Co-CAT evaporators. Co-CAT is endowed with “all-in-one” functions, i.e., high specific surface area, effective light absorption, and high catalytic activity. Co-CAT exhibits superior sunlight absorption and photo-to-thermal conversion property. The large specific surface area and abundant micropore of Co-CAT facilitate water permeation and evaporation enthalpy reduction. COMSOL Multiphysics and density functional theory calculation results prove that Co2+ sites in Co-CAT and heat localization promote peroxymonosulfate activation. Consequently, it not only exhibits a high-water evaporation rate of 2.2 kg m−2 h−1, outperforming the-state-of-art evaporators, but also presents the notable tetracycline degradation efficiency (91.1 %). This work proposes an ingenious way to deal with freshwater shortage and water pollution. [Display omitted] •Co-CAT with “all-in-one” functions is prepared by a facile hydrothermal method.•Co-CAT evaporator realizes wastewater purification and freshwater production.•Co-CAT owns good photothermal conversion ability and rises AOP catalysis efficiency.•Localized solar heat and rich open Co sites of Co-CAT promote the activation of PMS.•Evaporator shows an evaporation rate of 2.2 kg m−2 h−1 with TC removal of 91.1 %.