Work

Vertically extended cylindrical wood scrolls with guided water transport for salt-resistant all-day vapor generation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Three-dimensional solar vapor generators offer significant potential for enhancing evaporation efficiency, yet maintaining continuous and efficient water transport in vertically extended structures remains a critical limitation. To address this challenge, we develop a cylindrical evaporator by rolling thin wood veneer sheets into a scroll structure. This design creates vertically aligned and radially interconnected transport pathways, enabling efficient capillary-driven water supply over extended heights while suppressing localized salt accumulation at the evaporation interface. Further, the elongated geometry increases the exposed surface area and promotes ambient thermal energy-assisted evaporation (dark evaporation). The 40 cm-tall evaporator achieved an impressive evaporation rate of 35.8 kg m −2 h −1 under 1 sun illumination, with a substantial fraction of the total evaporation originating from dark evaporation, highlighting the capability of the vertically extended 3D structure for enhanced overall evaporation performance. We demonstrate a proof-of-concept integration into a solar-powered desalination and plant cultivation system, highlighting its strong potential for practical use in water-scarce environments.

Source: npj Clean Water

DOI: 10.1038/s41545-026-00601-7

Authors: Tawseef Ahmad Wani, Jeongeun Lee, Daewoong Kim, Sangmin Jeon

Institution: Pohang University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Solar-Powered Water Purification Methods

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,890