Thermoresponsive Janus hybrid hydrogel for efficient solar steam generation

Abstract

Solar-driven interfacial evaporation technology stands out as a promising solution for sustainable freshwater production. To achieve sustained and efficient water evaporation, it is crucial to carefully modulate the distribution of water content within the solar evaporator. In this study, a novel light-temperature responsive composite hydrogel-based solar evaporator was successful constructed. This involved the incorporation of a hydrophilic backbone (polyacrylamide) and a highly efficient solar absorber (multi-walled carbon nanotubes) into a temperature-sensitive hydrogel polymer backbone (poly (N, N-diethylacrylamide)). Due to its low critical solution temperature, the evaporator can undergo a hydrophilic/hydrophobic phase transition alternating day and night conditions. In natural sunlight, the upper hydrogel evaporation region is rendered hydrophobic, minimizing heat loss and preventing salt crystallization. Simultaneously, the bottom water delivery region is hydrophilic to ensure sufficient water supply. At night, the evaporator absorbs water and dissolves, thereby facilitating the rapid return of highly concentrated brine. Leveraging the spontaneously formed Janus structure, the photo-hydrothermal hydrogel achieves an impressive evaporation rate of 2.74 kg m−2 h−1 and exhibits excellent salt resistance. The notable water evaporation performance and robust salt resistance provide exciting possibilities for achieving ultrafast solar water purification.