| Aug 22, 2024 |
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(Nanowerk News) The quest for advanced technologies that address both clean water regeneration and pollutant degradation has become increasingly critical. Recent research presents a novel solution, as reported in Materials Horizons (“Monolith floatable dual-function solar photothermal evaporator: efficient clean water regeneration synergizing with pollutant degradation”).
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In this study, led by Assistant Professor Edison Ang Huixiang at the National Institute of Education/Nanyang Technological University, researchers have developed an innovative evaporator by in situ confining nanometric CuFe2O4 and plasmonic Cu into graphitic porous carbon nanofibers (CNF) using electrospinning and controlled graphitization.
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These materials were integrated onto a melamine sponge (S-FeCu/CNF) through a calcium ion-triggered crosslinking method with sodium alginate (SA). This approach provides a robust and efficient system for water treatment.
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The FeCu/CNF graphitic porous carbon demonstrated superior light absorption properties (≥95%) and was securely anchored on the sponge, preventing salt deposition through the calcium ion-triggered SA crosslinking. The evaporator achieved an impressive solar-vapor conversion efficiency with an evaporation rate of 1.61 kg m-2 h-1 under one sun irradiation. Even in a 20% NaCl solution, it maintained a high evaporation rate of 1.54 kg m-2 h-1 while demonstrating excellent resistance to salt buildup and stability.
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| (a) Diagram of the compact evaporation apparatus. (b) Evaporation rate changes of the S-FeCu/CNF-4 device with varying solar radiation. (c) Metal ion concentration changes before and after desalination. (d) Assembly process of the large-scale evaporator. (Image: Reproduced from DOI: 10.1039/D4MH00696H with permission by Royal Society of Chemistry)
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The dual functionality of the S-FeCu/CNF evaporator extends beyond water evaporation. It also acts as a heterogeneous catalyst to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS), leading to rapid degradation of pollutants. The system exhibited excellent catalytic cycling stability and produced clean water that meets World Health Organization (WHO) standards.
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“This monolithic design not only enhances water regeneration but also significantly improves pollutant degradation, providing a promising solution for desalination and wastewater treatment,” says Ang.
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The study highlights a significant advancement in integrating solar photothermal and catalytic processes into a single monolithic system, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable water treatment technologies. By combining effective light absorption with advanced oxidation processes, this approach offers a valuable contribution to addressing global water and pollution challenges.
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“With further development, our innovative evaporator could become a key technology in sustainable water treatment, aiding in the quest for cleaner water and more effective pollutant management,” Ang concludes.
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