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Bioinspired photothermal zwitterionic fibrous membrane for high-efficiency solar desalination and electricity generation

Author

Listed:
  • Yuzhu Wang

    (Donghua University)

  • Feng Chen

    (Donghua University)

  • Qiaochu Chen

    (Donghua University)

  • Wei Liu

    (Donghua University)

  • Qihang Huang

    (Donghua University)

  • Xinru Hou

    (Donghua University)

  • Shuang Li

    (Sichuan University)

  • Chong Cheng

    (Sichuan University)

  • Xiaodong Xie

    (The General Hospital of Western Theater Command)

  • Nan Meng

    (Donghua University)

  • Yaozu Liao

    (Donghua University)

Abstract

Solar-driven desalination holds great promise for addressing the scarcity of global freshwater. However, salt accumulation remains a significant challenge, particularly for two-dimensional membrane materials. Inspired by aquaporins, we design a porous zwitterionic fibrous membrane that selectively transports water while rejecting Na+ and Cl−, achieving efficient evaporation and salt resistance. The incorporation of porphyrin-based conjugated microporous polymers enhances photothermal conversion and antibacterial properties, while zwitterionic groups and porous structure disrupt high-salinity gradients, effectively preventing salt deposition. The membrane achieves an evaporation rate of 2.64 kg m−2 h−1 and a photothermal efficiency of 97.6% under 1 kW m−2 solar irradiation. Furthermore, the coupling of photothermal evaporator and thermoelectric module achieves a stable electric output (power density: 1.5 W m−2). This work presents a synergistic strategy for salt resistance, water purification and energy generation, advancing the design of solar-thermal-electric integrated systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuzhu Wang & Feng Chen & Qiaochu Chen & Wei Liu & Qihang Huang & Xinru Hou & Shuang Li & Chong Cheng & Xiaodong Xie & Nan Meng & Yaozu Liao, 2025. "Bioinspired photothermal zwitterionic fibrous membrane for high-efficiency solar desalination and electricity generation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-61244-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61244-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Feng, Mengqi & Lv, Song & Deng, Jingcai & Guo, Ying & Wu, Yangyang & Shi, Guoqing & Zhang, Mingming, 2023. "An overview of environmental energy harvesting by thermoelectric generators," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 187(C).
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    3. Stephane Hallegatte & Joeri Rogelj & Myles Allen & Leon Clarke & Ottmar Edenhofer & Christopher B. Field & Pierre Friedlingstein & Line van Kesteren & Reto Knutti & Katharine J. Mach & Michael Mastran, 2016. "Mapping the climate change challenge," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 6(7), pages 663-668, July.
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