Electrospun Nanofiber Materials for Photothermal Interfacial Evaporation

Abstract

Photothermal interfacial evaporation with low cost and environmental friendliness has attracted much attention. However, there are still many problems with this technology, such as heat loss and salt accumulation. Due to their different structures and adjustable chemical composition, electrospun nanofiber materials generally exhibit some unique properties that provide new approaches to address the aforementioned issues. In this review, the rational design principles for improving the total efficiency of solar evaporation are described for thermal/water management systems and salt-resistance strategies. And we review the state-of-the-art advancements in photothermal evaporation based on nanofiber materials and discuss their derivative applications in desalination, water purification, and power generation. Finally, we highlight key challenges and opportunities in both fundamental research and practical applications to inform further developments in the field of interfacial evaporation.

The Application of Textile Materials in Interfacial Solar Steam Generation for Water Purification and Desalination

“…Electrospun membranes are commonly manufactured using the electrospinning technique [ 92 ], which is a highly adaptable textile technique for producing flexible nano-/microfiber membranes [ 5 , 93 ]. It is a process that involves the application of an electric field to create fine fibers from a polymer solution or melt [ 54 , 66 ]. Fiber membranes produced through electrospinning exhibit controlled fiber arrangement, elevated porosity, exceptional mechanical characteristics, and a network of interconnected pores [ 3 ].…”

“…The capacity of a substance to effectively absorb and utilize light is a fundamental factor in the process of photothermal transformation. The two aspects of interest in this context are the extent of absorption across the solar spectrum and the magnitude of absorption at different wavelengths [ 66 ]. However, these two requirements can be fulfilled via the selection and design of the photothermal material and understanding of its optical properties, and careful optimization of the absorber design can help extend the absorption across the solar spectrum and improve the magnitude of absorption at different wavelengths, leading to enhanced performance of the ISSG system.…”

The Application of Textile Materials in the Interfacial Solar Steam Generation for Water Purification and Desalination: A Review

“…The capacity of a substance to effectively absorb and utilize light is a fundamental factor in the process of photothermal transformation. The two aspects of interest in this context are the extent of absorption across the solar spectrum and the magnitude of absorption at different wavelengths [66]. During a standard measurement technique Figure 3 (b), the ISSG device is immersed in a container containing either 6 clean water or brine for desalination experiments.…”

“…Electro-spun membranes are commonly manufactured using the electrospinning technique, [92] it is a highly adaptable textile technique for producing flexible nano/micron fibers membranes [5,93]. It is a process that involves the application of an electric field to create fine fibers from a polymer solution or melt [54,66]. Fiber membranes produced through electrospinning exhibit controlled fiber arrangement, elevated porosity, exceptional mechanical characteristics, and a network of interconnected pores.…”

Electrosprayed Eudragit RL100 nanoparticles with Janus polyvinylpyrrolidone patches for multiphase release of paracetamol

“…10–13 Along these directions, electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) techniques (mainly including electrospinning, electrospraying, and e-jet printing) are continuously contributing to the generation of new types of functional nanomaterials for applications in almost all applied scientific fields such as energy, environmental science, and medicine. 14–21…”