Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Interfacial solar steam generation has emerged as a promising strategy for sustainable water desalination; however, achieving high efficiency under practical conditions remains a significant challenge. Here, a natural polyphenol‐based gel composite incorporating liquid gallium particles and graphene is presented, engineered for high‐performance solar‐driven desalination. This synergistic combination enables broadband light absorption, heat localization, and rapid water transport. Graphene and the polyphenol gel matrix enhance light absorption and solar‐to‐heat conversion, while liquid gallium serves to localize heat; the gel structure facilitates water retention and vapor escape. These features are critical for maximizing solar energy utilization and sustaining continuous water evaporation under real‐world conditions. Under one sun irradiation, the system achieves an evaporation rate of 4.8 kg m −2 h −1 for deionized water and 3.4 kg m −2 h −1 for seawater. These findings highlight the potential of such multifunctional gel composites in addressing global freshwater scarcity through scalable and energy‐efficient desalination technologies.
Source: Advanced Science
Institutions: The University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, Monash University
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,730
OpenAlex ID: W4415132111