Harnessing microscopically opposite wettability in Janus nanofiber film for solar steam generation and photodegradation

Abstract

Amphiphilic Janus nanofibers film composed of microscopically assembled hydrophilic and hydrophobic nanofibers is fabricated as a base film for the solar steam generator possessing functions of solar steam generation and photodegradation. The amphiphilic Janus nanofibers film integrates many advantageous properties including water pumping, thermal resisting, self floating, salt resisting, and high stability, which make it an excellent base film for solar steam generators. The mixture comprising carbon nanotubes, black TiO2 nanoparticles and poly(dopamine) is synthesized as a dual-functional photothermal layer on the solar steam generator for realizing photothermal conversion and photocatalysis. The fabricated solar steam generator can achieve a superior water evaporation rate (2.491 kg m−2 h−1, 1 sun) and synchronously degrade organic pollutants. Furthermore, it is delighted to find that the water evaporation rate can be boosted while treating organic-contaminated water. The synergistic property of solar steam generation and photodegradation offers an inspiration in the fields of wastewater elimination and clean water generation.