Three-Dimensional Artificial Transpiration Structure Based on 1T/2H-MoS₂/Activated Carbon Fiber Cloth for Solar Steam Generation

Abstract

The rise of solar steam generation is an effective strategy to mitigate clean water shortages. However, achieving further improvements in conversion efficiency and stability remains a challenge. Here, 1T/2H-MoS2 nanosheets were uniformly assembled on activated carbon fiber cloth (A-CFC) through a facial hydrothermal method, and a three-dimensional (3D)-artificial transpiration device (ATD) was prepared using the plant transpiration process. The combination of activated carbon fiber cloth and 1T/2H phase MoS2 exhibits high light absorption (∼97.5%), excellent mechanical stability, large evaporation area, and easy escape of vapor. Additionally, the 3D hollow cone of the MoS2/carbon fiber cloth can effectively reduce radiative and convective energy loss and then achieve the enhancement of energy collection from the environment. An outstanding evaporation rate of 1.61 kg·m–2·h–1 with an optimum conversion efficiency of 97% under one sun is reached. Based on the facile fabrication, excellent stability, and high solar conversion efficiency, this nature-inspired design of 3D 1T/2H-MoS2/A-CFC is expected to facilitate large-scale applications for seawater purification and desalination.

A hydrophilic carbon foam/molybdenum disulfide composite as a self-floating solar evaporator

“… 25 A robust composite with a significant evaporation area was produced by combining activated carbon fiber cloth and MoS 2 with a 3D hollow cone shape. 26 It is important to note that surface wettability is a key factor in water transport and affects the stability of solar evaporators. In general, the hydrophilic nature of solar absorbers persuades water transport to evaporate.…”

Photothermal–Photocatalytic CSG@ZFG Evaporator for Synergistic Salt Rejection and VOC Removal during Solar-Driven Water Distillation

“…The production of fresh drinking water is a growing challenge for social evolution. − Almost 29% of total global population cannot access fresh water for drinking, and the percentage is increasing rapidly due to environmental issues and population growth. − Solar light-driven desalination of seawater is a promising technique to produce drinking water from wastewater and seawater. − Basically, this technology relies on photothermal absorbers, which convert irradiated sunlight into heat energy for generation of water vapor. − For achieving better solar–thermal conversion and evaporation efficiency, the material should have (1) low value of thermal conductivity to reduce the heat loss, (2) a broad absorbance for the effective use of the broad solar spectrum, (3) a vertically aligned porous network for the efficient transportation of water, and (4) smart material designs to avoid accumulation of salt on the evaporator surface in particularly highly saline water. − …”

Natural Cellulose Fiber-Derived Photothermal Aerogel for Efficient and Sustainable Solar Desalination

“…To fabricate the aerogel-based photothermal materials with high sunlight absorption ability, diversified methods have been utilized, such as dispersing active carbon or CNTs in a polymer suspension, , production of a bilayer structure between MoS 2 and the aerogel, formation of crosslinks with polymers that have high light absorption ability such as PPy, PEDOT:PSS, and polydopamine (PDA) . Besides, the multilayer and 3D interconnected porous structures and the microsized capillary structure of aerogels have been found to improve their light trapping ability.…”