Bilayer Solar Steam Generator by Co-Gelation Method

Abstract

The interfacial solar steam generator presents a viable and environmentally conscious solution for generating fresh water from seawater. The interfacial solar steam generator is accomplished through the integration of a photothermal material with a supporting material, resulting in a bilayer structure. In general, the efficiency of achieving a bilayer structure by the coating of a photothermal material on the surface of a substrate is limited. This is due to the potential for separation and variations in coating thickness, which can result in a drop in the rate of evaporation. In this study, a bilayer structure was successfully obtained through the implementation of a co-gelation technique utilizing a biomass-derived substrate, aerogel cellulose, and magnetite (Fe3O4) as photothermal materials. Additionally, we investigate the impact of magnetic fields on the evaporation rate of photothermal materials. The bilayer solar steam generator obtained demonstrates a notable evaporation rate of 1.87 kg.m-2h-1, which is sufficient to meet the daily water requirements of individuals.