A multi-layer fabric for high-efficiency solar-driven seawater desalination

Abstract

Fiber-based photothermal materials for seawater desalination usage have garnered significant attention owing to their outstanding properties. However, traditional monolayer fabrics are prone to possess inherent inefficiencies such as high thermal dissipation and salt crystallization within the evaporation zone, especially reducing the evaporation efficiency during the long-term seawater desalination. Herein, a novel three-layered three-dimensional (3D) spacer carbon/polyester cotton spacer woven fabric (SWF) evaporator is designed. This SWF material was delineated into three distinct layers: an upper evaporate layer, a foundational water absorption layer, and a central water dedicated to water transition, thermal insulation, and salt crystallization. The rational three-layered 3D architecture guarantees the swift aqueous transition within SWF evaporator, simultaneously curtailing thermal losses from the top layer. The evaporation rate of 3D SWF, with 6 mm interval space, registered at 1.6721 kg · m−2·h−1 under a solar intensity of 1 kW · m−2. Furthermore, under conditions with a solar power of 1 kW · m−2 and a wind velocity of 2 m · s−1, the evaporation efficiency of liquid water from SWF, with a central layer height of 12 mm, culminated at 3.9742 kg · m−2·h−1, which validated its adeptness for the seawater desalination applications. The results of our research are helping to provide for efficient and stable methods of wastewater treatment, desalination, and drinking water collection.