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Light-adaptive interfacial solar steam evaporation enhanced by dynamic water gating

Author

Listed:
  • Jianfei Wu

    (Nanjing Forestry University)

  • Ziwei Cui

    (Nanjing Forestry University)

  • Dongfang Wu

    (Nanjing Forestry University)

  • Zheng Cao

    (Nanjing Forestry University)

  • JunYuan Zhang

    (Nanjing Forestry University)

  • Jiafu Qu

    (Suzhou University of Science and Technology Suzhou)

  • Jundie Hu

    (Suzhou University of Science and Technology Suzhou)

  • Jianzhang Li

    (Nanjing Forestry University
    Beijing Forestry University)

  • Dan Tian

    (Nanjing Forestry University)

  • Yahui Cai

    (Nanjing Forestry University)

Abstract

Freshwater scarcity is a critical global issue, exacerbated by water pollution. Solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SDIE) offers a promising solution due to its energy efficiency and environmental benefits. This study presents a light-driven adaptive interfacial solar steam evaporation system enhanced by dynamic water gating. The system addresses the challenge of balancing high evaporation rates with salt accumulation, a common limitation in SDIE technology. An evaporator is developed using modified spiropyran and inexpensive wood, enabling dynamic salt discharge through light variations. Theoretical calculations reveal that the reversible structural changes in spiropyrans facilitate salt removal. The evaporator features a two-layer design, with a light-control layer and a hydrophilic layer, which enhances evaporation by stabilizing the gas-liquid interface and minimizing heat loss. Experimental results confirm the evaporator’s long-term stable salt-discharge and freshwater production capabilities, demonstrating high evaporation rates, reusability, and pollution resistance. Outdoor experiments and water purification tests further validate its effectiveness in producing freshwater and preventing salt accumulation. This research underscores the potential of light-responsive materials in designing efficient, sustainable evaporators, offering a significant advancement in water purification and desalination technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Jianfei Wu & Ziwei Cui & Dongfang Wu & Zheng Cao & JunYuan Zhang & Jiafu Qu & Jundie Hu & Jianzhang Li & Dan Tian & Yahui Cai, 2025. "Light-adaptive interfacial solar steam evaporation enhanced by dynamic water gating," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-65018-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65018-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Zhuangzhi Sun & Chuanlong Han & Shouwei Gao & Zhaoxin Li & Mingxing Jing & Haipeng Yu & Zuankai Wang, 2022. "Achieving efficient power generation by designing bioinspired and multi-layered interfacial evaporator," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-9, December.
    2. Yi Wang & Weinan Zhao & Yebin Lee & Yuning Li & Zuankai Wang & Kam Chiu Tam, 2024. "Thermo-adaptive interfacial solar evaporation enhanced by dynamic water gating," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.
    3. Jin Tan & Sunmiao Fang & Zhuhua Zhang & Jun Yin & Luxian Li & Xiang Wang & Wanlin Guo, 2022. "Self-sustained electricity generator driven by the compatible integration of ambient moisture adsorption and evaporation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-8, December.
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