A high-efficient and ultra-strong interfacial solar evaporator based on carbon-fiber fabric for seawater and wastewater purification

Abstract

Interfacial solar-driven water evaporation is an effective strategy to solve freshwater scarcity. Efficient interfacial evaporation comes from excellent photothermal material. Herein, we developed a multilayer carbon-fiber fabric (MCF) evaporator with excellent mechanical properties for efficient solar-driven water purification. The all‑carbon composition and multilayer honeycomb structure endows the MCF with a high broadband light absorption (97%), rapid water transport, and good thermal management. As a result, the MCF shows an impressive purification capacity for seawater and organic wastewater and a good inhibition for the volatilization of low-boiling-point organic components. Under 1 sun irradiation, the evaporation rate can reach 3.39 kg∙m−2∙h−1. The outstanding salt-rejecting property also enables perfect stability and reusability. Even 20 wt% brine has no impact on the evaporation process and energy efficiency. More importantly, the MCF can effectively resist mechanical destruction from the environment, maintain its structural integrity. The concept of MCF with a hierarchical structure and multiple attributes will stimulate more inspiration for the development of solar-energy desalination and sewage treatment.