Synergistic generation of freshwater and electricity
using solar
light would be an ideal solution for global freshwater challenges
and energy demands. Recently, interface solar steam generation has
been considered one of the promising cost-effective alternatives for
freshwater generation. Here, we have systematically maintained the
salinity gradient within two-legged paper-based microfluidic channels
to transport wastewater from the reservoir to the evaporator surface
and generate electricity all-day-long. Flowing seawater (3.5 wt %
NaCl) on one leg and tap water on the other of the water-conducting
channels connected to a conical evaporator, we achieved an average
open-circuit voltage (V
OC) of 150 mV and
a short-circuit current of 6.5 μA across each channel along
with a water evaporation efficiency of 88%. As the V
OC depends only on the ion concentration gradient within
the channel in the direction perpendicular to the water flow, the
electricity generation persists throughout the day and can be tuned
by varying the salinity. Increasing the salt concentration of the
seawater to 20 wt %, the V
OC increased
to 250 mV in a single channel. In an evaporator connected with four
such channels, we achieved a maximum output power density of 9.9 mW
m–2 in a series combination without sacrificing
the evaporation rate. Furthermore, removing agglomerated salt from
the evaporator surface, we harvested salt at a rate of 0.33 kg m–2 h–1. Therefore, our approach provides
an alternative way of freshwater generation, salt harvesting, and
all-day-long electricity production simultaneously.
The solar-driven water evaporation technique to produce clean water has shown enormous potential towards an energy-efficient solution for global freshwater scarcity. Designing a cost-effective and efficient solar vapor generator (SVG)...
Controlled release (CR) nano-formulations of Mancozeb (manganese-zinc double salt of N,N-bisdithiocarbamic acid), a protective fungicide, have been prepared using laboratory-synthesized poly(ethylene glycols) (PEGs)-based functionalized amphiphilic copolymers without using any surfactants or external additives. The release kinetics of the developed Mancozeb CR formulations were studied and compared with that of commercially available 42% suspension concentrate and 75% wettable powder. Maximum amount of Mancozeb was released on 42nd day for PEG-600 and octyl chain, PEG-1000 and octyl chain, and PEG-600 and hexadecyl chain, on 35th day for PEG-1000 and hexadecyl chain, on 28th day for PEG-1500 and octyl chain, PEG-2000 and octyl chain, PEG-1500 and hexadecyl chain, and PEG-2000 and hexadecyl chain in comparison to both commercial formulations (15th day). The diffusion exponent (n value) of Mancozeb in water ranged from 0.42 to 0.62 in tested formulations. The half-release (t) values ranged from 17.35 to 35.14 days, and the period of optimum availability of Mancozeb ranged from 18.54 to 35.42 days. Further, the in vitro bioefficacy evaluation of developed formulations was done against plant pathogenic fungi Alternaria solani and Sclerotium rolfsii by poison food technique. Effective dose for 50% inhibition in mgL (ED) values of developed formulations varied from 1.31 to 2.79 mg L for A. solani, and 1.60 to 3.14 mg L for S. rolfsii. The present methodology is simple, economical, and eco-friendly for the development of environment-friendly CR formulations of Mancozeb. These formulations can be used to optimize the release of Mancozeb to achieve disease control for the desired period depending upon the matrix of the polymer used. Importantly, the maximum amount of active ingredient remains available for a reasonable period after application. In addition, the developed CR formulations were found to be suitable for fungicidal applications, allowing use of Mancozeb in lower doses.
The water-energy co-generation technologies are urgent to exploit their ability to address the challenges and opportunities for the water-energy nexus. This report presents a cuboid-shaped interfacial solar steam generator made...
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