Water Evaporation Rate Research Articles

Enhancing evaporation using proposed biomass-derived insulation with holistic decision-making

The escalating demand for fresh water has increased the challenge of water scarcity. Insulations hinder heat loss, so they significantly affect thermal desalination. The use of primary materials derived from fossil fuels presents drawbacks mainly due to their unsustainable nature. Therefore, this study proposed biomass thermal insulation from date palm waste for thermal desalination applications. Then, the proposed insulation polystyrene and date palm wood (PS-DPW) was compared experimentally and holistically with commercial polyurethane (PUR) and aerogel (AR) insulations. The evaporation rates of water were observed for different insulation materials, with each container insulated on all sides except the top. Experimentally, the PS-DPW, PUR, and AR insulations exhibited thermal conductivity of 0.05844, 0.0322, and 0.02783 W/m·K, respectively. In addition, the PS-DPW, AR, and PUR improve the evaporation by 5 %, 9 %, and 12 %, respectively. Holistically, the insulations were compared based on technical, environmental, social, and economic insights. PUR emerged as the most favorable insulation, closely followed by PS-DPW insulation, showing a high correlation in manufacturing, low carbon footprint, market availability, and cost. Although AR has the lowest thermal conductivity, it was the least favorable due to its high cost, carbon footprint, limited availability, and complex manufacturing process. Generally, the present study paves the road for future exploration of biomass-based insulations in thermal desalination, showcasing their potential sustainability contribution.

KOH Activated Carbon Coated 3D Wood Solar Evaporator with Highest Water Transport Height and Evaporation Rate for Clean Water Production.

The water evaporation rate of 3D solar evaporator heavily relies on the water transport height of the evaporator. In this work, a 3D solar evaporator featuring a soil capillary-like structure is designed by surface coating native balsa wood using potassium hydroxide activated carbon (KAC). This KAC-coated wood evaporator can transport water up to 32cm, surpassing that of native wood by ≈8 times. Moreover, under 1kWm-2 solar radiation without wind, the KAC-coated wood evaporator exhibits a remarkable water evaporation rate of 25.3kgm-2h-1, ranking among the highest compared with other reported evaporators. The exceptional water transport capabilities of the KAC-coated wood should be attributed to the black and hydrophilic KAC film, which creates a porous network resembling a soil capillary structure to facilitate efficient water transport. In the porous network of coated KAC film, the small internal pores play a pivotal role in achieving rapid capillary condensation, while the larger interstitial channels store condensed water, further promoting water transport up more and micropore capillary condensation. Moreover, this innovative design demonstrates efficacy in retarding phenol from wastewater through absorption onto the coated KAC film, thus presenting a new avenue for high-efficiency clean water production.

Tailoring anionic solar evaporator with an enhanced Donnan effect for a highly effective salt resistance desalination and water purification

Emerging solar-driven interfacial water evaporation demonstrates immense potential in mitigating worldwide water shortages, offering exceptional solar-to-vapor conversion efficiency, off-grid operability, zero liquid discharge capability and low carbon footprint. A critical requirement for sustainable extraction clean water from brine is the development of solar evaporators with both salt resistance and high evaporation rates. In response to this demand, this research proposed an enhanced Donnan effect anionic solar evaporator through filling wood in situ with PVA/PAA hydrogel. The resulting anionic solar evaporator demonstrated broadband spectral absorption, excellent photothermal conversion, and water activation capability. Notably, based on the negative charge property of the –COO– group anionic hydrogel, it could enhance Donnan effect and restrict the diffusion of Cl− to the evaporator, ensure enduring salt resistance and stability in purifying brine effectively. Experiments proved that the anionic anionic solar evaporator attained a remarkable water evaporation rate of 2.439 kg m−2 h−1 during a desalination of 15 wt% NaCl solution under 1 kW m−2 solar radiation, and no obvious salt accumulation had been observed during prolonged evaporation processes. With high efficiency, renewability, deployability, low cost, and durability, the anionic solar evaporator emerges as a promising solution for mitigating water scarcity, especially in economically challenged regions and provides valuable perspectives for future investigations into the water-energy-climate nexus.

Large-area, low-cost, highly durable solar evaporators for sustainable solarizing seawater

Conventional solarizing seawater technology faces significant challenges including a large footprint, time-consuming processes, and inefficient energy utilization. Solar-driven interfacial water evaporation (SIWE) technology, offers a promising approach for sustainable solarizing seawater, facilitating the production of solid salt with reduced time and land requirements. Nevertheless, the urgent challenge lies in the development of low-cost, large-area solar evaporators that are highly salt-resistant and adaptable, enabling efficient and sustainable solar desalination for solid salt production. As such, a large-area, affordable, and highly durable melamine foam/reduced graphene oxide/sodium alginate (MGS) solar evaporator is proposed for continuous solarizing seawater using a simple method of “immersion-crosslinking-reduction”. Among them, hydrophilic melamine foam serves as the supportive framework, immersed with graphene as light absorption material, and hydrophilic sodium alginate polymeric network for fixing graphene sheets and regulating water evaporation enthalpy. As such, MGS solar evaporator can be prepared in a large-area of 0.5 m × 0.5 m at the cost prices as low as $2.91 m−2. The optimized MGS solar evaporator achieves a high water evaporation rate of 2.30 kg m−2h−1 with the photothermal conversion efficiency of 89.2 % under one sun irradiation. In outdoor environments, MGS allows for timely convective/diffusive salt discharge through its macropores, thus allowing for prolonged seawater solarization without obvious solid salt accumulation. Notably, the original seawater can be highly concentrated until all the water evaporates and solid salt precipitates. This developed MGS solar evaporator offers a novel perspective on efficient seawater solarization, conserving both time and land.

Dual-functional natural rubber latex foam composites for solar-driven clean water production and heavy metal decontamination

Solar steam generation (SSG) offers a sustainable approach to fresh water production. Herein, a novel dual-functional natural rubber/carbon black composite foam evaporator is presented for a cost-efficient SSG system that both produces fresh water and eliminates heavy metals present in the water. The composite foam is produced using the Dunlop process, and in its optimized form, it absorbed >96 % of sunlight. The foam evaporator exhibited a thermal conductivity of 0.052 W/m⋅K, a water evaporation rate of 1.40 kg/m2/h, converted 83.38 % of light to heat under 1 sun irradiation, and showed outstanding stability. The technology required to produce this composite foam is already available to make large-scale production feasible, while the natural raw materials are abundant. On the basis of its performance qualities, the rubber foam composite appears to be an excellent candidate for application as a viable solar absorber for SSG to produce fresh, clean water for commercial purposes.

Nickel and Cobalt Selenite Hydrates as Broad Solar Absorbers for Enhanced Solar Water Evaporation

Inorganic black materials possessing hydrophilicity are scarce but can be of great importance in areas such as solar water evaporation and solar steam generation. Herein, for the first time, transition‐metal selenite hydrates (specifically, Earth‐abundant metals Ni and Co) not only possess high solar absorbance (>96 %) in the solar spectral range (UV–vis–NIR) but also excellent hydrophilicity, which plays a key role in water transport in the solar steam generation. The hydrophilic behavior in selenite hydrates originates from trapped “water of hydration” inside its crystal lattice, which can easily form hydrogen bonds with other water molecules, facilitating water transport. Owing to the abovementioned properties, the studied selenite hydrates are tested for solar water evaporation, showing excellent water evaporation rates of 1.83 and 2.34 kg m−2 h−1 for nickel selenite hydrate and cobalt selenite hydrate, exceeding the theoretical limit of 1.47 kg m−2 h−1.

Janus structured photothermal conversion materials prepared from carbonized corn straw particles for portable air water extraction devices

The utilization of photothermal conversion materials to enhance the desorption performance of hygroscopic salt solutions through interfacial photothermal effects presents a promising approach for the continuous extraction of water from the atmosphere. To improve the desorption efficiency of hygroscopic salt solutions, the objective of this research is to employ agricultural and forestry residues, such as corn straw, in conjunction with polyurethane sponges, for the production of an innovative Janus structure carbonized biomass photothermal conversion material. Compared to single-layer structured photothermal conversion materials, the pure water evaporation rate increased from 2.42 kg m-2 h-1 to 3.20 kg m-2 h-1 when utilizing the Janus structured photothermal conversion material. Remarkably, this material demonstrates outstanding resistance to salt, allowing it to endure 8 h evaporation cycles with 30 wt% NaCl without salt crystallization. Therefore, it is well-suited for the continuous desorption of liquid hygroscopic agents. Moreover, the portable air–water extraction device, which incorporates Janus structural photothermal conversion material to enhance the performance of 30 % LiCl, has been shown to effectively extract water in practical settings. It achieves a water intake rate of 1.74 L m-2 d-1 at 50 % humidity. This approach is distinguished by its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and efficient utilization of solar energy resources, providing a promising solution to mitigate the shortage of fresh water resources.

Temperature-Dependent Structural Properties of Nickel and Cobalt Selenite Hydrates as Solar Water Evaporators.

Solar water evaporation offers a promising solution to address global water scarcity, utilizing renewable energy for purification and desalination. Transition-metal selenite hydrates (specifically nickel and cobalt) have shown potential as solar absorbers with high evaporation rates of 1.83 and 2.34 kg∙m-2∙h-1, but the reported discrepancy in evaporation rate deserves further investigation. This investigation aims to clarify their thermal stability for applications and determine the underlying mechanisms responsible for the differences. Nickel and cobalt selenite hydrate compositions were synthesized and investigated via thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy to assess their temperature-induced structural and compositional variations. The results reveal distinct phase transitions and structural alterations under various temperature conditions for these two photothermal materials, providing valuable insights into the factors influencing water transportation and evaporation rates.

A flexible sanded cotton fabric coated with Au@polypyrrole for seawater desalination

Nowadays, freshwater has increasingly become a scarce resource. Seawater distillation is limited due to the high costs and low conversion rates. Herein, a functional cotton fabric with significant photothermal properties was prepared through a simple sanding treatment, followed by a polypyrrole (PPy) and Au nanoparticles coating. The functional materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric analysis. The solar water evaporation measurements showed that the sanded cotton fabrics coated Au@PPy exhibited excellent photothermal conversion with an energy efficiency being 93.38 % for solar-steam generation under 1.0 sun irradiation, corresponding to a water evaporation rate of 1.33 kg·m−2·h−1. Moreover, the coated fabric also exhibited excellent tolerance to acidic and alkaline conditions.

A MAX phase (Ti3AlC2) as a performance enhancer for poly(lactic acid) electrospun membranes in steam generation and solar desalination

Clean water and sanitation issues motivate researchers to develop water evaporators for freshwater generation. The composite membrane evaporator was electrospun herein based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and Ti3AlC2 MAX phase as a property enhancer. As a precursor for the MXenes synthesis, the MAX phase has never been explored with PLA for water evaporator potential. Alternative use of the MAX phase can reduce the production cost arising from chemical synthesis. This work explored the potential of the MAX phase as an additive to enhance PLA membrane performance for steam generation and desalination applications. Under the infrared irradiation (∼1.0 kW/m2), the mechanically-improved PLA/MAX phase membrane showed an enhanced water evaporation rate of 1.70 kg/m2 h (93.93 % efficiency), with an approximately 52 % rate increment relative to the PLA membrane. Based on the artificial seawater (3.5 % w/w), the membrane exhibited an evaporation rate of 1.60 kg/m2 h (87.57 % efficiency). The membrane showed self-floating ability at the air-water interface, excellent thermal stability over the entire operating temperatures, and reusability after repeated cycles. Moreover, the generated freshwater contained exceptionally low cations concentrations, as low as those in potable water. The developed composite membrane also had proved its potential for solar desalination in the water generation field.

Non-destructive strategy to extract sustainable helix and high-strength Musa core fibers for rapid water conduction and evaporation

The reuse and development of natural waste resources is a hotspots and challenges in the research of new fiber materials and the resolution of environmental concern globally. Herein, this study aimed to develop a simple and direct manual extraction process to extract Musa core fibers (MCFs) for rapid water conduction and evaporation. Through simple processes such as ring cutting and stretching, this green and non-destructive inside-out extraction strategy enabled Musa fibers to be naturally and harmlessly degummed from natural Musa stems, with good maintenance of the fiber structure and highly helical morphology. The extracted fibers are composed of regularly and closely arranged cellulose nanofibrils in the shape of ribbon spirally arranged multi-filaments, and the single filament is about 2.65 μm. The high-purity fibers exhibit ultra-high tensile strength under a non-destructive extraction process, and the ultimate tensile strength in dry state is as high as 742.95 MPa. The tensile strength is affected by the number of fiber bundles, which shows that tensile strength and tensile modulus is higher than those of vascular bundle fibers in dry or wet condition. In addition, the MCFs membrane indicates good water conductivity, with a water absorption height of 50 mm for the sample in only 60 s. Moreover, the water evaporation rate of MCFs reaches 1.37 kg m−2 h−1 in 30 min, which shows that MCFs have excellent water conductivity and evaporation rate compared with ordinary cotton fibers. These results indicate that MCFs have great potential in replacing the use of chemical methods to extract fibers from vascular bundles, providing an effective way to achieve sustainability in quick-drying applications, as well as in the sustainable development of natural waste resources.

A binary salt composite adsorbent material for solar-driven sorption-based atmospheric water harvesting

Solar-driven sorption-based atmospheric water harvesting (SSAWH) technology stands as a promising avenue for sourcing freshwater in arid and remote regions. For real-world large-scale applications, the effective water absorption capacity, broad humidity absorption range, and rapid desorption properties of adsorbent materials have been the main goals of the research area. In this context, we have developed a binary salt composite adsorbent material (PAMg-Li) for solar-driven water harvesting by integrating binary hygroscopic salts MgSO4 particles and LiCl particles, activated carbon fiber (ACF), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The inherent porous structure and interconnected channels at micro and nano scales of PAMg-Li facilitate water absorption, and obtained satisfactory water absorption rate even at 30% relative humidity (RH). It has been shown to be able to achieve a high water storage capacity and realize water desorption under natural light. A home-made device based on PAMg-Li obtained a water evaporation rate of 0.084 kg/(m2·h) under solar radiation intensities ranging from 200 to 850 W/m2. The PAMg-Li material developed in this work can be a candidate for a more practical and effective choice for SSAWH.

Integrating Photoelectrochemical Feature on a Hydrovoltaic Chip with High-Salinity Adaption as a Self-Powered Device for Formaldehyde Monitoring.

Alternative energy sources are required due to the decline in fossil fuel resources. Therefore, devices that utilize hydrovoltaic technology and light energy have drawn widespread attention because they are emission-free and solar energy is inexhaustible. However, previous investigations mainly focused on accelerating the water evaporation rate at the electrode interface. Here, a cooperative photoelectrochemical effect on a hydrovoltaic chip is achieved using NH2-MIL-125-modified TiO2 nanotube arrays (NTs). This device demonstrated significantly improved evaporation-triggered electricity generation. Under LED illumination, the open-circuit voltage (VOC) of the NH2-MIL-125/TiO2NTs active layer of the hydrovoltaic chip was enhanced by 90.3% (up to 400.2 mV). Furthermore, the prepared hydrovoltaic chip showed good high-salinity tolerance, maintaining 74.6% of its performance even in 5 M NaCl. By introducing a Schiff-based reaction between the active layer and formaldehyde, a fully integrated flexible sensor was successfully fabricated for formaldehyde monitoring, and a low limit of detection of 5.2 × 10-9 M was achieved. This novel strategy for improving the performance of hydrovoltaic devices offers a completely new general approach to construct self-powered devices for point-of-care sensing.

Flexible Janus Black Silicon Photothermal Conversion Membranes for Highly Efficient Solar-Driven Interfacial Water Purification.

Photothermal conversion materials are critical in the development of solar-driven interfacial evaporation techniques; however, achieving a high energy conversion efficiency remains challenging owing to the high cost and instability of light-absorbing materials, in addition to the difficulties of simultaneously improving light absorption while suppressing heat loss. A black silicon (Si) powder with a porous structure was prepared by chemical etching of a low-cost commercial micron-sized Al-Si alloy, and a flexible Janus black Si photothermal conversion membrane was constructed. The partially broken spherical particles and porous structure obtained after etching enhanced the refraction of light from the Si powder, imparting the prepared membrane with an average light absorption rate of 95.95% over the solar spectrum. Evaporation from the membrane increased the intermediate water content and reduced the equivalent evaporation enthalpy. The thermal conduction loss was inhibited through a one-dimensional water transport structure, and the membrane achieved a water evaporation rate of 2.17 kg m-2 h-1 and a photothermal efficiency of 94.95% under 1 sun illumination. Benefiting from the broadband absorption and high photothermal efficiency of black Si powder, surface modification of hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane, and directional salt-out structure design, the evaporation rate of the Janus black Si membrane-based system in a 10% NaCl solution was maintained >2.10 kg m-2 h-1 after 7 days of continuous evaporation cycles. The removal rate of metal ions from simulated seawater and from practical wastewater containing complex heavy metals reached >99.9%, indicating the promising potential of black Si membrane for application in solar-driven interfacial water purification.

Achieving solar-thermal driven dual functional device utilizing flexible PDA coated sponge integrated thermoelectric module design for water purification and power generation

The design of an efficient solar energy collector for solar-thermal-driven water purification and power generation is a promising strategy to concurrently mitigate the shortage of fresh water and energy crises. However, harvesting low-grade thermal energy in an eco-friendly and cost-effective manner through solar-thermal materials for water evaporation and electric cogeneration remains challenging. Herein, we demonstrate a dual-functional device integrating solar-thermally driven water purification and thermo-induced power generation. This typical design, fabricated via polydopamine (PDA) tightly deposited onto melamine sponges (PDA@Sponge) via H-bonds, along with a thermoelectric generator (PDA@Sponge/TEG), showcases superior solar-thermal-driven dual-functional application. The critically structurally adjustable PDA@Sponge possesses excellent homogeneity and stability, weakening interfacial hydrogen bonding between water molecules, favoring the evaporation and overflow of water molecules. The optimal serrated design achieves a water evaporation rate of up to ∼1.50 kg −2h−1, with an efficiency of ∼ 94.04 % under one sun, surpassing the most of previous reports, owing to its special tip thermal localization effect and rational water transportation management. Simultaneously, the designed PDA@Sponge/TEG yields an open-circuit voltage and short circuit current of 55 mV and 22 mA, respectively, along with a maximal output power of 162 μW (40.5 μW/cm2) at a load resistance of 7.5 Ω, under one sun and room temperature. Notably, such a device, after multiple series connections, can charge a capacitor to 1.5 V within 1 min, capable of powering low-energy electronic devices such as smartwatches and LED lights. By efficiently integrating of multiple solar-thermal-driven processes, our research promotes the design of multifunctional devices to promise an approach for desalinating seawater, purifying wastewater, and powering low-energy electronics, especially in remote areas lacking power stations and/or water treatment facilities.

Transpiration-Inspired Fabric Dressing for Acceleration Healing of Wound Infected with Biofilm.

In chronic wound management, efficacious handling of exudate and bacterial infections stands as a paramount challenge. Here a novel biomimetic fabric, inspired by the natural transpiration mechanisms in plants, is introduced. Uniquely, the fabric combines a commercial polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric with asymmetrically grown 1Drutile titanium dioxide (TiO2) micro/nanostructures, emulating critical plant features: hierarchically porous networks and hydrophilic water conduction channels. This structure endows the fabric with exceptional antigravity wicking-evaporation performance, evidenced by a 780% one-way transport capability and a 0.75g h-1 water evaporation rate, which significantly surpasses that of conventional moisture-wicking textiles. Moreover, the incorporated 1D rutile TiO2 micro/nanostructures present solar-light induced antibacterial activity, crucial for disrupting and eradicating wound biofilms. The biomimetic transpiration fabric is employed to drain exudate and eradicate biofilms in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)-infected wounds, demonstrating a much faster infection eradication capability compared to clinically common ciprofloxacin irrigation. These findings illuminate the path for developing high-performance, textile-based wound dressings, offering efficient clinical platforms to combat biofilms associated with chronic wounds.

Low-molecular-weight organic small-molecule photothermal material for high-efficiency solar-thermal water evaporation

Organic photothermal materials have aroused more and more attentions, due to their unique merits of diverse structure, tunable property, and good biocompatibility. However, most of them suffered from complicated design and high cost in extending the molecular conjugation for long-wavelength absorption. Herein, we interestingly discovered a typical organic conjugated molecule, 4,6-di(2-thienyl)thieno[3,4-c][1,2,5]thiadiazole (T-TTD-T) with low molecular weight of only 306 g mol−1 and simple structure, to exhibit superior photothermal performance under aggregation. T-TTD-T with rigid and planar molecular skeleton was endowed with diradical feature and could aggregate closely in π-π stacking, extending the absorption to cover from 300 to 1000 nm for effective sunlight absorption and facilitating the high photothermal conversion efficiency of 65.5 % under 685 nm laser. On this basis, T-TTD-T was successfully applied in solar-driven water evaporation to obtain a considerable evaporation efficiency of 85.2 % and water evaporation rate of 1.2366 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 sunlight irradiation. This finding would light up the enthusiasm in constructing high-efficiency but simple organic small-molecule photothermal materials.

The effects of adding various starches on the structures of restructured potato-based dough and the oil uptake of potato chips.

The material composition significantly influences the oil absorption and quality characteristics of fried food products. The oil absorption of restructured potato chips is highly dependent on the structural properties of the restructured potato-based dough produced prior to frying. In this study, three types of starch were added to modify the structure of restructured potato-based dough, allowing the production of potato chips with less oil absorption. Distinct differences were observed among the three types of starch in terms of amylose content, chain length distribution, swelling power, solubility, crystalline structure and pasting properties. The addition of wheat starch, corn starch and tapioca starch changed the rheological properties, water distribution and strength of the restructured dough. Importantly, adding wheat starch and corn starch significantly lowered the oil content of potato chips by 7.94% and 13.06%, respectively. The reduction in oil absorption by potato chips was attributed to the increased strength of the starchy gel network of the dough, a slower rate of water evaporation and a limitation of dough expansion during frying. Adding wheat starch or corn starch to restructured potato-based dough resulted in a decrease in the oil absorption of potato chips by creating a stronger starchy gel network in the dough. This study could guide the development of suitable material compositions, which are important for producing fried food products with lower oil content. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ginseng‐Bioinspired 3D Photothermal Evaporator for Efficient Seawater Desalination Using Conjugated Microporous Polymer

AbstractPhotothermal conversion technology presents a promising approach for harnessing solar energy to facilitate seawater desalination. However, salts will accumulate on the surface of the photothermal conversion structure during seawater desalination, which hinders solar energy absorption. Meanwhile, the photothermal conversion structure directly immersing in a large water body results in a large heat dissipation loss. Both factors impair solar energy conversion and water steam generation. To address the issues, inspired by a ginseng plant (with a trunk‐to‐branch water supply system), a 3D cotton‐based photothermal evaporator with tunable water supply is facilely designed herein via simple cloak‐weaving of a porphyrin‐based conjugated microporous polymer (PPCMP) as the photothermal conversion material. The as‐designed 3D cloak‐like photothermal evaporator achieves an equilibrium between the water supply flux and evaporation rate via optimizing PPCMP weaving and the water path. As a result, a high evaporation rate of 2.81 kg m−2 h−1 and photothermal conversion efficiency of 155% are obtained under 1 sun illumination. The findings underline the importance of 3D porous organic polymer‐based fabrics as effective media for harnessing solar energy and highlight their potential for seawater desalination.

Effect of wood and peanut shell hydrochars on the desiccation cracking characteristics of clayey soils

Soil cracking can significantly alter the water and nutrient migration pathways in the soil, influencing plant growth and development. While biochar usage has effectively addressed soil cracking, the feasibility of using less energy-intensive hydrochars in desiccating soils remains unexplored. This study investigates the impact of wood and peanut shell hydrochars on the desiccation cracking characteristics of clayey soil. A series of controlled environmental laboratory incubations with regular imaging was conducted to determine crack development's dynamic in unamended and hydrochar-amended soils. The results reveal that the addition of wood hydrochar at 2% and 4% dosage reduced the crack intensity factor (CIF) by 22% and 43%, respectively, compared to the unamended control soil. Similarly, the inclusion of peanut shell hydrochar at 2% and 4% lowered the CIF by 22% and 51%, respectively. The presence of hydrophilic groups on the surface of hydrochars, such as O–H, CH, and C–O–C, enhanced the water retention capacity, as confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared analysis. The CIF decrease is attributed to mitigated water evaporation rates, enabled by enhanced water retention within the hydrochar pore spaces. These findings are supported by scanning electron microscopy analyses of the hydrochar morphology. Despite CIF reduction with hydrochar incorporation, the crack length density (CLD) increased across all hydrochar-amended series. In contrast to unamended soil which exhibited pronounced widening of large cracks and extensive inter-pore voids, the incorporation of hydrochar resulted in higher CLD due to the formation of finer interconnecting crack meshes. Consequently, the unamended control soil suffered greater water loss due to heightened evaporation rates. This study sheds new light on the potential of hydrochars in addressing desiccation-induced soil cracking and its implications for water conservation.