Novel Receiver-Enhanced Solar Vapor Generation: Review and Perspectives

Abstract

Efficient solar vapor/steam generation is important for various applications ranging from power generation, cooling, desalination systems to compact and portable devices like drinking water purification and sterilization units. However, conventional solar steam generation techniques usually rely on costly and cumbersome optical concentration systems and have relatively low efficiency due to bulk heating of the entire liquid volume. Recently, by incorporating novel light harvesting receivers, a new class of solar steam generation systems has emerged with high vapor generation efficiency. They are categorized in two research streams: volumetric and floating solar receivers. In this paper, we review the basic principles of these solar receivers, the mechanism involving from light absorption to the vapor generation, and the associated challenges. We also highlight the two routes to produce high temperature steam using optical and thermal concentration. Finally, we propose a scalable approach to efficiently harvest solar energy using a semi-spectrally selective absorber with near-perfect visible light absorption and low thermal emittance. Our proposed approach represents a new development in thermally concentrated solar distillation systems, which is also cost-effective and easy to fabricate for rapid industrial deployment.

Deep Eutectic Solvent-Assisted In Situ Wood Delignification: A Promising Strategy To Enhance the Efficiency of Wood-Based Solar Steam Generation Devices

“…Solar steam generation techniques show promise for desalination and wastewater treatment. − Wood-based solar steam generation devices (W-SSGDs), in particular, show great potential for water distillation because they are sustainable, easily prepared, and green. − W-SSGDs typically have two components, a solar-to-thermal layer and a wood matrix, which serve as thermal insulation and a water transportation layer, respectively. − Theoretically, the performance of solar steam generation devices is determined by the water transportation capacity, thermal conductivity, and solar-to-thermal efficiency. − The development of solar-to-thermal materials with higher photothermal efficiency and the use of cross-plane woods have both increased the efficiency of W-SSGDs . However, little attention has been paid to adjusting the properties of natural wood as a method of developing high-performance W-SSGDs.…”

Mechanically Robust and Flame-Retardant Silicon Aerogel Elastomers for Thermal Insulation and Efficient Solar Steam Generation

“…Taking advantages of their low thermal conductivity, low density, and mechanical flexibility, we believe that the as-prepared SAE sample should be ideal candidates as solar steam generators, according to the criteria for fabrication of these photothermal materials as mentioned in the previous literature. − However, improvement in surface hydrophilicity of SAE samples is highly needed to this end, as its inherent hydrophobic surface could restrict the flow of aqueous fluids. Here, we introduce a method of permanent hydrophilic modification by treatment with benzophenone and acrylic acid followed by irradiation with an ultraviolet (UV) ozone lamp.…”

Facile Deflagration Synthesis of Hollow Carbon Nanospheres with Efficient Performance for Solar Water Evaporation

“…Thus, the development of a facile, low-cost, and environmentally friendly technology to compensate the lack of water resources is a hotspot research. Solar water evaporation technology, as the renewed application of solar energy, has been used in clean water production and exhibits the characteristics of being green, energy-saving, and sustainable. − To realize high efficiency of solar water evaporation, the key elements include wide solar absorption, high light-to-heat efficiency, and strong heat localization. , So far, the preparation of different photothermal materials (PTMs), that is, plasmonic noble materials, − semiconducting materials, − and carbon-based nanomaterials, ,− has become an increasingly interesting study as they are finding applications in solar water evaporation.…”