Interfacial Solar Vapor Generation: Introducing Students to Experimental Procedures and Analysis for Efficiently Harvesting Energy and Generating Vapor at the Air–Water Interface

Abstract

Interfacial solar vapor generation has recently drawn much attention because of its high solar-to-vapor generation efficiency. Here we introduce the basic experimental procedures and analysis for undergraduates to perform such an experiment to catch up with the cutting-edge research wave. Interfacial solar vapor generation employs an interfacial solar vapor generator to localize the solar harvest and the vapor generation process at the air–water interface. In the experiment, three commonly seen black materials, namely, a black trash bag, carbon fabric, and black packing polyester, are used as the basic starting materials for the construction of solar vapor generators. The light absorption properties are measured with UV–vis spectroscopy, and the solar vapor generation efficiencies are obtained using the data collected with an electronic balance and thermometers. Overall, this experiment aims to introduce undergraduate students in chemistry, environmental science, textiles, geoscience, materials science, or engineering to a cutting-edge technology in solar energy conversion, environmental protection, and clean water access.

Interfacial photothermal water evaporator based on nanoporous microwave‐expanded graphite and coconut waste fibers@recycled polystyrene as substrate

“…Tao et al 46,47 Considering that typical dimensions for laboratory scale (usually 1-4 cm of absorber diameter) of SWE systems were used in this study, and that the observed water F I G U R E 1 1 A, Average loss of mass, evaporation rate, and efficiency (inset) of pure water and simulated seawater (3.5% NaCl); eight evaporation cycles using pure water (B) and 4 evaporation cycles using seawater (C) for the SWE having 6.1 cm in diameter with 1 mm of thickness of the CF/PSty/Graphite 6 seconds sample [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com] evaporation rate and efficiency could change in the scaling-up of the process, a SWE system of larger diameter using the CF/PSty/Graphite 6 seconds sample was prepared and tested for pure water and simulated seawater (3.5% NaCl) evaporation. The SWE system was placed on water in a 250 mL insulated beaker and exposed to the same light source.…”

Exploring Cation-Exchange Membranes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Real-World Applications in a Multidisciplinary Laboratory

“…Membrane separation science is a field that focuses on the selective passage of chemical entities through specifically designed barriers, which are essentially two-dimensional in nature. This technology has played a pivotal role in addressing critical societal challenges, including clean water and air, public health, climate change, waste reduction, and energy generation. − At the heart of this technology lies the membrane material itself. − Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a distinct class of crystalline porous polymers constructed via a bottom-up method, utilizing molecular units with pre-established geometries that are interlinked through covalent bonds. − The hallmark of COFs is their inherent ability to maintain precise positioning of their constituent building blocks in both two and three dimensions, allowing them to synthesize stable porous structures characterized by regularity. This property enables meticulous modulation of both the chemical and the physical attributes of the constructed network. − Since the very first publication by Omar M. Yaghi in 2005, research on COFs has advanced beyond the synthesis and characterization of diverse structures and has extended into the realm of applied science. − Because of their unique attributes, COFs have emerged as promising candidates for membrane construction, and membranes made from COFs have showcased groundbreaking results in fields such as desalination, resource element extraction, and energy conversion. − …”

Breath‐Figure Self‐Assembled Low‐Cost Janus Fabrics for Highly Efficient and Stable Solar Desalination

“…In recent years, solar-driven interfacial evaporation technology has aroused much attention due to its advantages of eco-friendly features and low level of infrastructure. [8][9][10][11] The principle of solardriven interfacial evaporation technology is to convert solar energy into heat and localize the heat on the surface of interfacial materials to induce steam generation. Compared with the traditional solar-driven water treatment technology, the solardriven interfacial evaporation technology can significantly improve response time for steam generation and increase the solar-vapor conversion efficiency.…”