Solar-driven thermal-wind synergistic effect on laser-textured superhydrophilic copper foam architectures for ultrahigh efficient vapor generation

• Published in: Applied physics letters 2021-05, Vol.118 (21)
• Main Authors: Yin, Kai, Wu, Zhipeng, Wu, Junrui, Zhu, Zhuo, Zhang, Fan, Duan, Ji-An
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied physics; Copper; Desalination; Electric contacts; Evaporation rate; Evaporators; Heat loss; Laser beam texturing; Metal foams; Polyurethane foam; Seawater; Solar energy; Steam generation; Synergistic effect; Vapors; Wastewater treatment; Water purification; Water supply; Wind effects; Wind speed
• ISSN: 0003-6951; 1077-3118
• DOI: 10.1063/5.0050623

Solar-driven vapor generation is a sustainable and environmentally friendly method for water purification. Despite recent progress on photothermal steam generation, the rate of vapor generation remains low. Here, we enhance the vapor generation rate by combining solar-driven thermal and wind effects on a femtosecond-laser-textured superhydrophilic copper foam surface. Significant solar power can be absorbed and transformed into heat on the treated surface. This solar power can also be converted into electric power to generate wind to further accelerate steam generation. The upper superhydrophilic foam surface facilitates the continuous supply of water. A pre-wetted polyurethane sponge minimizes heat loss by preventing direct contact between the heated foam and bulk water. The as-prepared evaporator achieved a water evaporation rate of ∼7.6 kg m−2 h−1 under one sun irradiation (1 kW m−2) at a wind speed of 3 m s−1. This is a promising technology for enhancing water evaporation rates in seawater desalination and wastewater treatment applications.