Evaporation System Research Articles

Efficient interfacial solar evaporation using a novel carbonized foam as photo-thermal converter

Recent research shows that one of the effective and green methods to reduce freshwater scarcity is interfacial solar evaporation. This method does not require energy consumption. One of the important challenges that should be taken into consideration in interfacial solar evaporator systems is the fabrication of solar absorbers with easy, environmentally friendly, cost-effective, efficient and scalable methods. Herein, a carbonized melamine foam (CMF) fabricated via a one-step, fast, low-cost and easy method for solar desalination. The CMF is fabricated by an electrical heat gun within a few minutes and is characterized by various techniques. The prepared CMF as a black foam shows excellent properties for solar desalination such as superhydrophilicity, high light absorption, high water transportation rate, good photo-thermal conversion, high rate of water evaporation and salt resistance. The prepared CMF shows repeatable performance in solar evaporation at consecutive evaporation cycles with solar evaporation rate of 3 kg m−2h−1 and high solar thermal conversion efficiency of 90 % under 1000 W m−2 illumination.

Directional salt crystallization system for high-efficiency solar-driven evaporation to achieve zero-liquid discharge

Solar-driven interfacial evaporation is an efficient technology for water treatment, enabling the production of freshwater and the removal of impurities. However, achieving a high evaporation rate and a long-term stable operation is challenging due to the salt accumulation on the evaporation surface. In this study, a novel three-dimensional directional salt crystallization system is proposed. The melamine sponge modified with polydopamine and carbon black was used to transport brine, absorb sunlight, and generate steam. The non-photothermal evaporation regions were innovatively constructed by placing a thermally conductive aluminum structure with the deflector paper around the sponge, which increased the effective evaporation area of the system to accelerate the evaporation of brines from the overall system, resulting in an evaporation rate of 2.20 kg m−2 h−1 under one sun irradiation in a 15 wt% NaCl solution. Moreover, the non-photothermal evaporation regions were isolated from the evaporation interface as a salt crystallization region, which completely avoided salt accumulation at the evaporation interface and ensured the long-term stable operation of the system. Salt crystals can be easily collected by replacing the deflector paper regularly, and the salt collection efficiency is over 95 % to achieve zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) treatment. More importantly, the directional salt crystallization system achieves efficient purification of heavy metal ion wastewater and dye wastewater. Consequently, the system presents a highly efficient method for ZLD seawater treatment and wastewater purification.

Enhanced SERS performance of Ag nanoparticles using hybrid dewetting process for melamine detection

A thermal evaporation system was used to deposit Ag thin films on glass substrates. The films were dewetted using both a regular laser irradiation approach and a hybrid dewetting process that involved laser irradiation followed by Ag thermal deposition. The study would evaluate and compare the optical characteristics and efficiency in melamine detection within these dewetted films. In the traditional dewetting process, as the laser power increased from 15 to 25 W, the nanoparticles (NPs) size decreased from 162 to 125 nm. Furthermore, an evident optical absorption peak range of 540–600 nm was also observed. Through the hybrid dewetting process, a mixture of small NPs (20 nm) and larger NPs (142–167 nm) were formed. It resulted in two distinct Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) peaks at 460 nm and 660 nm, respectively. Notably, a strong Raman peak at 701 cm−1 emerged when a melamine aqueous solution was placed on the hybrid dewetted surface. Comparing the two methods, the hybrid dewetted sample exhibited enhanced fingerprint peak intensity and a higher analytical enhancement factor (AEF). When operating at laser power of 25 W and a scanning speed of 100 mm/s, the maximum AEF value reached 1.9 × 105. The limit of detection for melamine solution in the hybrid dewetted sample was established at 10−7 M. Hence, the hybrid dewetting process is a potential method to produce the mixed-sized nanoparticles for diverse applications.

TiO2/Se heterojunction photovoltaic device made from Se/Te/Se stacked precursor

This paper presents an innovative approach for forming crystallized selenium (c-Se) using a Se/Te/Se stacked precursor. The aim is to enhance the adhesion between the TiO2 and Se layers to improve the power conversion efficiency of TiO2/Se heterojunction photovoltaic devices. Our previous study revealed that the accumulation of Te near the TiO2/Se interface resulted in insufficient shunt resistance, leading to increased dark leakage current. This issue arises because Te possesses a high carrier density (∼1018 cm−3) and narrow bandgap energy (0.26 eV). However, a Te additive layer remains necessary to passivate the unbonded TiO2/Se interface and to maximize the adhesion between the absorber and the substrate. Previous research on Se-based photovoltaic devices demonstrated that an extremely thin (∼0.5 nm) and homogeneous Te adhesion layer could be formed beneath the Se photo-absorbing layer and subsequently crystallized through air-annealing post-deposition. However, achieving precise and homogeneous sub-nanometer Te films using a compact resistance heating evaporation system in a laboratory setting proved challenging so far. To address these limitations, we propose a novel technique for forming the Se absorber layer by post-annealing a stacked 1st-Se/Te/2nd-Se precursor on a TiO2 window layer. Through experimentation, we achieved the highest power conversion efficiency of 4.49 % without antireflective coating, accompanied by Voc 0.795V, JSC 11.13 mA/cm2, and FF 0.507 when the 1st-Se thickness was 5 nm. Furthermore, the impact of decreasing Te/(Te + Se) near the TiO2 window layer on photovoltaic performance was theoretically predicted using modelling by SCAPS-1D. Overall, this work introduces a promising method for enhancing the formation of c-Se, improving adhesion between TiO2 and Se layers, and enhancing the power conversion efficiency of TiO2/Se heterojunction photovoltaic devices.

Energy saving of vacuum-based membrane dehumidification with indirect evaporative cooling in a low sensible-heat-ratio building

In hot and humid climates, dehumidification generally consumes more energy than cooling, and conventional mechanical vapor compression system is not efficient for dehumidification. Vacuum-based membrane dehumidification system have been developed as a more environmentally friendly alternative for dehumidification due to non-refrigerant system and isothermal dehumidification process. In this study, a novel hybrid air conditioning system that combines vacuum-based membrane dehumidification with an indirect evaporative cooler for pre-cooling is proposed to achieve efficient air conditioning in building with low sensible heat ratio. The energy performance of the proposed system is investigated by detailed thermodynamic simulations and compared with conventional variable air volume (VAV) system and indirect evaporative pre-coolers combined VAV system. The simulation results show that when the average sensible heat ratio of the space is 0.73 and the COP of the vacuum-based membrane dehumidifier is 1.0, the proposed system can reduce energy consumption by 16.1 % compared to conventional VAV system and by 6.4 % compared to indirect evaporative pre-cooler combined VAV system during the cooling season. The energy performance of the proposed system is significantly affected by the sensible heat ratio of the building and the energy efficiency of the vacuum-based membrane dehumidifier. When the COP of the vacuum-based membrane dehumidifier reaches 2.0, the proposed system can achieve an energy savings of 48.2 % compared to conventional VAV system.

A self-floating and windproof Janus biomass composite hydrogel with magnetic controllability and salt rejection for polluted seawater desalination

To alleviate the global freshwater crisis, a self-floating magnetic Janus biomass composite hydrogel has been fabricated through a rational asymmetric bilayer structure design, which exhibits many merits such as remarkable light-absorption, photothermal conversion, water-evaporation, salt rejection, wind-resistant, etc. Specifically, sodium alginate, cellulose nanofibrils (from corn straw), and acrylic acid were crosslinked by triple interpenetrating networks (chemical cross-linking, ionic cross-linking and hydrogen bonding). Janus hydrogel evaporator was constructed by incorporating the top layer containing light-absorbing core–shell magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@PDA NPs), and the bottom layer composed of self-floating foam gel due to the addition of foaming agent. Under one solar irradiation, the average evaporation rate and photothermal conversion efficiency of Janus biomass composite hydrogel reached 2.89 ± 0.09 kg·m−2·h−1 and 95.66 ± 2.68 %, respectively. Its evaporation stability and salt tolerance capability have been demonstrated by extended period of simulated desalination. Furthermore, Janus biomass composite hydrogel also had excellent mechanical property (ultimate stress of 1.6 MPa) and magnetic performance, which can not only effectively resist the stress induced by wind and waves, but also enable the magnetic maneuvering and wind-resistance floating on the sea. When the input voltage of electromagnet was 24 V, the furtherest response displacement and maximum resisted wind speed were 9 cm and 7.2 m/s, respectively. Therefore, such magnetic self-floating Janus biomass composite hydrogel serving as interfacial solar-driven evaporator system offers a green, efficient and sustainable solution for clean freshwater production.

Nanocellulose aerogel prepared using discarded cotton textiles: For constructing water evaporation and self-cooling thermoelectric systems

In agricultural production, the substantial consumption of water and electricity resources is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed.In this work, we address this challenge by repurposing discarded cotton fabric and employing a unidirectional ice templating freezing technique to construct a cellulose hydrophilic aerogel featuring a biomimetic structure with unidirectional vertical channels, hereafter referred to as UVC-aerogel. This innovative material facilitates the conversion of low-grade waste heat (LGWH) into both water resources and electrical energy.The UVC aerogel exhibits remarkable evaporation performance, achieving an efficient evaporation rate of 9.18 kgm−2h−1, while demonstrating significant resistance to salt accumulation. Moreover, the evaporation effect synergistically enhances its thermoelectric power generation capacity. Through integration with a self-cooling open thermoelectric battery system, the UVC aerogel capitalizes on the concentration gradient formed within the evaporation system to augment the Seebeck coefficient (6.86 mVK−1) and power density (0.015 Wm−2K−2).This work present a green and sustainable solution to the water and electricity challenges encountered in agriculture, carrying substantial implications for both environmental conservation and agricultural advancement.

Thermo-economic analysis and comparison of novel desiccant air conditioning systems

Desiccant air conditioning (DAC) systems are considered an effective alternative to traditional vapor compression systems due to their ability to independently control temperature and humidity, coupled with their environmentally friendly design. Consequently, this paper deals with experimental and simulation study on DAC systems. The experiments were conducted on a reference system (RS) equipped with all necessary control and measurement devices. This reference system includes a traditional desiccant evaporative air-conditioning system with an additional heat exchanger placed after the desiccant wheel, functioning as an after-cooler. In addition, steady state and transient simulation models were developed using TRNSYS software to predict the performance of four different configurations of DAC systems and the reference system, under hot and humid climatic conditions.The experimental data verify the precision and relevance of the simulation results, with an average error of 2.57 % for the air temperatures. The steady state findings showed that Config-4 exhibited the best thermal performance compared to the other configurations. Also, Config-4 demonstrates a stable thermal cooling capacity despite fluctuations in outdoor air dry-bulb temperature. Transient results revealed that, Config-4 has levelized costs of CO2 emissions that are 64.2 % lower than RS, followed by Config-3, Config-2, and Config-1. Lower CO2 emissions result in a positive impact on mitigating climate change and improving air quality. Economic analysis revealed that the total levelized cost of cooling (LCOC) for Config-4 is 70.5 % lower than RS, demonstrating the most significant cost reduction. Configurations 3, 2, and 1 also showed lower LCOC compared to the reference system.

Self-Floating Polydopamine/Polystyrene Composite Porous Structure via a NaCl Template Method for Solar-Driven Interfacial Water Evaporation.

Solar energy, as a clean and renewable energy source, holds significant promise for addressing water shortages. Utilizing solar energy for water evaporation is seen as an effective solution in this regard. While many existing interfacial photothermal water evaporation systems rely on nanoparticles or graphene as photothermal or support materials, this study introduced polydopamine (PDA) as a photothermal material due to its environmental friendliness and excellent photon absorption characteristics that closely match the solar spectrum. Polystyrene (PS) was also introduced as a support material for its porous structure and density similar to water, enabling it to float on water. The resulting PS-PDA composite porous structure solar evaporator exhibited a photothermal conversion efficiency comparable to nanoparticles (over 75%), yet with lower production costs and minimal environmental impact. This innovative approach offers a scalable solution for water-scarce regions, providing a cost-effective and efficient means to address water scarcity. The use of PDA and PS in this context highlights the potential for utilizing common materials in novel ways to meet pressing environmental challenges.

Study of temperature-dependent copper iodide thin film by thermal evaporation system

The development of heterostructure devices has gained significant attention towards scientific communities in the present time. This article reports on the effective use of the horizontal thermal evaporation (TE) method to successfully fabricate copper iodide (CuI) films on silicon (Si) substrates. By using the TE technique, CuI-based heterojunctions have been fabricated in this research . CuI exhibits semiconductor qualities of the p-type, making it a promising option for optoelectronic devices in the future. The temperature was varied from room temperature (RT) to 230 °C to synthesise the CuI/Si heterojunction. The structural, morphological, optical, and electrical analyses have been carried out with various substrate temperatures. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) data shows that the CuI films have demonstrated a polycrystalline character and have lattice parameters of 6.03 Å. The Raman spectroscopy study shows the microstructural analysis of CuI films. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) study reveals the variation of grain size and shape with synthesis temperature. The atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to estimate the surface roughness. The CuI films were found to be p-type by the Hall effect measurement. The sample synthesised at 130 °C shows the highest mobility of 83.12 cm2 V−1 s−1 with a carrier concentration of 1019 cm−3. The UV-visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy measurements show good absorption of UV light by the CuI thin films. The CuI/Si heterojunctions are rectifying, as demonstrated by the I-V measurements, and those respond well to UV light irradiation.

R-based neural networks decision model for water air cooler system

Water air cooler is a process that uses an evaporative system. In its first generation, there was no temperature sensor, and its fan was turned by an electric motor in an open loop system with a fixed speed. As well, the water’s flow and level in the tank are governed by a mechanical system, which is generally a floating ball attached to a shaft. In order to ameliorate this classical system with more advantages and performances, many ideas are included in subsequent generations such the integration of embedded systems, intelligent control and components of manufacturing materials. In this paper, the current study aims to integrate an intelligent system, which is the neural networks by using R language to give a smart decision model to command relays switching dedicated to control the electric motors, where the first one is tied up with a fan and the other to an electro-pump. The HC-SR04 ultrasonic and DHT11 sensors supervise the two desired parameters control, water level in the tank and the outside temperature successively.

Mean flow and eddy summer moisture transport over East Asia in reanalysis data and a regional climate simulation

Understanding the impact of atmospheric variability on climatological mean moisture transport is crucial because moisture transport determines continental water availability as well as convective organization and resulting precipitation. Here, we analyze the mean flow and eddy components of summer moisture transport in the downwind of the Tibetan Plateau (TP), a region that is characterized by interactions between monsoon systems, extratropical circulation, and mountainous weather systems. Using 40 years of ERA5 reanalysis data and a regional WRF simulation, we determine the absolute and relative contributions of mean flow and eddy moisture transport from multi-daily to sub-daily scales. We also link these components to large-scale circulation indices, precipitation, evaporation, and mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). The results show that the largest contributions of eddies to the climatological mean moisture transport are found in the immediate downwind region of the TP. Half of the total eddy transport downwind of the TP is due to multi-daily eddy transport and the other half is due to daily to sub-daily eddy transport. Regional precipitation anomalies are dominated by the mean flow component of southerly moisture influxes which in turn are positively correlated with different South Asian summer monsoon indices and negatively correlated with the West Northern Pacific monsoon index. The eddy transport from the south is positively correlated with a lower jet latitude but does not show any significant correlations with precipitation or MCS activity, likely due to the dominant role of the mean flow moisture transport. While the relative contributions of eddies to the climatological mean moisture transport are similar in ERA5 and WRF, the correlations between moisture transport components and large-scale circulation indices are generally weaker in WRF. This suggests that the dynamical downscaling does not significantly change the role of eddy moisture transport averaged for the region, but it resolves processes that decouple the moisture transport from its large-scale forcing.

Game theoretic approach for the synthesis and optimization of economically optimal coalitions in integrated renewable energy and polygeneration networks

This study presents the generation of an integrated resource network that encompasses a bioenergy supply chain and a polygeneration hub. The resource network is designed using a superstructure that comprises 3 layers. The first layer is a supply chain network of seasonally available renewable and non-renewable energy sources and is connected to the second layer by a transport system comprised of rail, road, and pipeline. The second layer, which is the polygeneration hub, comprises a boiler to produce high-pressure steam, steam turbines for generating power, a multi-effect evaporation system for desalinating salt-water and an absorption refrigeration system to produce chilled water. The option of connecting the boiler to a solar-thermal and heat storage subnetwork for feedwater pre-heating is included in the second layer. Piping and electrical cables connect the polygeneration layer to the third layer, which comprises industrial heat demand, represented by heat exchanger network, and electrical power demand. The model is applied to a case study in which the subnetworks in the overall integrated superstructure layers are considered as individual players in an industrial symbioses network with the possibility to be in a cooperative game. The objective function of the model, which is represented as a mixed integer nonlinear programming model, involves the minimization of the summation of the players' marginal contribution, with equal weighting applied for each player, to the coalition's total annual cost. The result obtained involves preference for a coalition among participating subnetworks that include combined heat and power, multi-effect evaporation, and heat exchanger network.

Impact of Building Envelope Materials on Energy Usage and Performance of Evaporative Cooling System in Residential Building

Impact of Building Envelope Materials on Energy Usage and Performance of Evaporative Cooling System in Residential Building

Recovered water from fuel cells as a supply for Maisotsenko evaporative cooling systems in a hydrogen-powered urban bus

The EU ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 requires finding sustainable alternatives both from an energy and an environmental point of view. The path now seems to be drawn towards a total electrification of public and private transportation sectors. However, the issue of the limited range of electric vehicles, particularly for heavy-duty ones, still needs to be addressed. The development of fuel cell vehicles powered by compressed hydrogen, not relying exclusively on batteries, can achieve ranges comparable to those powered by fossil-fuel. The development of hydrogen vehicles must proceed in parallel with increasing the efficiency of passenger compartment air conditioning, which requires a significant share of the total energy consumed. An efficient alternative to common vapor compression cooling systems is represented by evaporative coolers, in which water evaporation is used to cool an air flow. This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing the recovered water from the exhaust gas of a hydrogen PEM fuel cell, powering an urban bus, within a commercial indirect evaporative cooling system employing the Maisotsenko cycle. The cooling capacity of the proposed system was calculated to verify the possibility of implementing it on an urban bus. The water available at the cathode of the fuel cell and the water required by the evaporative cooler were evaluated under various conditions and compared. The calculations demonstrate that even under intense weather conditions, where approximately 40 kg of water may be required every hour, at least 10 % of water needed by the evaporative cooling system can be provided by the water produced through the hydrogen reaction. In mild weather conditions or by cooling the exhaust, it is possible to significantly increase the share of pure water supplied to the evaporative system. The integration of hydrogen fuel cells and evaporative coolers in bus equipment can be an energy-efficient, win–win solution. This configuration enables the dual utilization of the hydrogen employed to drive the fuel cell.

The photothermal properties of hydrogel nanocomposite embedded with ZnO/CuO based on PVA/GA/activated carbon for solar-driven interfacial evaporation

Using the renewable energy, especially solar energy, is an environmental-friendly approach for seawater desalination. Solar evaporation is a promising freshwater harvesting strategy rich in energy, including solar and water energy. Herein, we propose a solar evaporation hybrid hydrogel including polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and glutaraldehyde (GA) as a polymer network, semiconductor oxide nanoparticles (ZnO, CuO) and activated carbon as a photothermal material. Structural properties of hybrid hydrogel were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, surface morphology by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), chemical bonding by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and optical absorption and absorption coefficient (α) of components by UV–Vis spectroscopy. The result showed in visible region, PVA:ZnO:AC hydrogel nanocomposite has a strong absorption (55%) compare of the PVA:CuO:AC hydrogel nanocomposite (35%). In addition, by distillation measurements, the evaporator system demonstrated for PVA:CuO:AC and PVA:ZnO:AC Hydrogel an evaporation rate of 2.29 kg m−2 h−1 and 5.19 kg m−2 h−1 with the evaporation efficiency of 30.66% and 70.80%, respectively, under 0.1 sun irradiation. For PVA:CuO:AC hydrogel, the hardness of Caspian seawater decreased from 6648 to 115 ppm and ion conductance from 8641 (μS) to 244 (μS) and for the PVA:ZnO:AC Hydrogel decreased to 97 ppm and ion conductance to 206 (μS). Experiments showed that with changing type of the ZnO or CuO semiconductor oxide nanoparticles can effectively on regulate the optical properties of the evaporator. Eventually, this work begins a new point of synthesizing cost-effective photothermal absorbers based on metal oxides material and activated carbon nanocomposite.

PVA/cellulose hydrogel with asymmetric distribution of MoS2 for highly efficient solar-driven interfacial evaporation and electricity generation

Population growth and economic globalization have exacerbated freshwater shortages and energy crises, and solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SDIE) offers a promising solution due to its environmental friendliness, accessibility, and sustainability. However, the highly efficient cogeneration of freshwater and electricity using the SDIE process is a challenge. Herein, a PVA/cellulose hydrogel with asymmetric distribution of MoS2 is proposed as a highly efficient SDIE system to overcome the bottleneck in the cogeneration of freshwater and electricity. By applying material genome engineering and microstructure regulation to improve light harvesting, energy efficiency, evaporation performance, and vapor escape. The evaporation rate of the PVA/cellulose evaporator could reach 3.23 kg m−2 h−1 when desalinating 3.5 wt% seawater under 1 sun and remained basically stable during the long-term continuous evaporation. In addition to desalination, the prepared evaporator also has a potential application in the cyclic utilization of the industrial and domestic wastewater. The synergistic effect of the electron double layer effect and the seawater battery principle produces a high output voltage of 0.714 V. Meanwhile, the optimized solar evaporator demonstrates good mechanical properties, salt resistance, environmental adaptability, and carbon emission economy. This work provides new insights into efficient seawater desalination and power generation, and inspires further research on multifunctional solar-driven interfacial evaporation systems to effectively address water scarcity and energy crises.

Efficient solar utilization: Multifunctional solar absorber devices realize self-driven hydrogen production

Considered as one of the effective approaches to address the energy crisis and develop green and sustainable energy, the application of solar energy in multiple stages was investigated in this study. By designing a WS2/ZnIn2S4 heterojunction, a multifunctional coupling system based on interfacial water evaporation technology was constructed. In this system, the water evaporation rate was 1.67 kgꞏm−2ꞏh−1, and the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of rhodamine B reached 96.5 %. Moreover, the electric energy output from thermoelectric conversion was innovatively in situ applied for photocatalytic hydrogen production, which increased the photocatalytic hydrogen production efficiency by five times, with a hydrogen production rate of 40.3 μmolꞏcm−2ꞏh−1. This study successfully integrated thermoelectric power generation, photocatalytic hydrogen production, and photocatalytic degradation of dye wastewater into an advanced solar-driven interface evaporation system, enabling the simultaneous conversion of solar energy into multiple forms of energy, improving solar energy utilization efficiency, which was of great significance for promoting the practical application of solar energy.

Facile barometric calibration of photoluminescence-based oxygen sensors on a standard rotary evaporator system with a digital vacuum pump

A simple setup and methodology for barometric calibration of quenched phosphorescence oxygen sensors are described, which utilize a standard rotary evaporator (Rotavap) system equipped with a digital vacuum pump. They were demonstrated with a panel of different sensing materials based on PtBP dye, including solid-state sensor coatings on different substrates (membrane inserts, stickers or inner wall of the vacuum flask), as well as liquid sensor formulations. The sensors inside the flask were exposed to different conditions created by the Rotavap system (dry or humid air, water, temperatures ranging 2°C-40°C, residual total pressure), and their intensity, lifetime or phase shift signals were measured with handheld sensor readers Optech (Mocon) and Firesting (PyroScience) in a contact-less manner to generate multi-point calibration curves. Several critical points of the method, which require careful consideration, have been revealed, including sensor mounting inside the Rotavap, its temperature control during calibration, choice of the reader. Finally, a detailed characterization of several sensor types was carried out and their key operational parameters (τ0, KSV, heterogeneity, T-coefficients), and calibration equations for the different conditions were determined and compared to each other and the results of conventional O2 calibration. Overall, barometric calibration method using Rotavap provides a useful alternative to conventional O2 calibration methods, being simple, accurate, convenient and versatile.

Transforming waste polystyrene foam to carbon on zeolite for efficient solar water desalination

Solar-driven water evaporation was well-proven to be a sustainable technique for seawater desalination by using renewable energy. In this technology, carbon material is preferably chosen as a photothermal conversion material due to its excellent stability and corrosion resistance. However, the applicability of carbon-based materials was constrained by their poor mechanical strength and the high cost. In this paper, carbon coated sands and zeolites were prepared by using waste polystyrene foam (white pollution) as carbon source and this waste utilization method greatly reduces material costs. The solar-driven water evaporation device was fabricated by confining these carbon-coated composites in the PVA hydrogel. Owing to the superior light absorption (over 96 %) and good hydrophilicity for water transfer, the carbon-coated sand and zeolite exhibited maximum evaporation rate of 1.51 and 1.24 kg m−2h−1 under 1 sun illumination, respectively. In outdoor test, the maximum water collection rate was 0.92 kg m−2 h−1. It is possible to create an effective and environmentally beneficial solar interfacial water evaporation system with this approach.