Self‐Contained Monolithic Carbon Sponges for Solar‐Driven Interfacial Water Evaporation Distillation and Electricity Generation

• DOI: 10.1002/aenm.201702149
• Publication Date: 2018-01-29T20:42:38Z
• Authors: Liangliang Zhu; Minmin Gao; Connor Kang Nuo Peh; Xiaoqiao Wang; Ghim Wei Ho
• Keywords: Vaporization; Solar Desalination

Abstract Solar vaporization has received tremendous attention for its potential in desalination, sterilization, distillation, etc. However, a few major roadblocks toward practical application are the high cost, process intensive, fragility of solar absorber materials, and low efficiency. Herein an inexpensive cellular carbon sponge that broadband light absorption inbuilt structural features to perform solitary heat localization situ photothermic is reported. The defining advantages elastic porous it self‐confines water perpetually hot spots accommodates cyclical dynamic fluid flow‐volume variable stress usage. By isolating from bulk water, solar‐to‐vapor conversion efficiency increased by 2.5‐fold, surpassing conventional heating. Notably, complementary steam generation‐induced electricity can be harvested during so as capitalize on waste heat. Such distillation heat‐to‐electricity generation functions may provide opportunities on‐site fresh production remote areas/emergency needs.