Journal of Bionic Engineering ›› 2020, Vol. 17 ›› Issue (2): 315-325.doi: 10.1007/s42235-020-0025-4
Bio-inspired Recyclable Carbon Interface for Solar Steam Generation
Lei Shi1,2, Xinzhi Wang1, Yanwei Hu1, Yurong He1*, Yuying Yan2,3
- 1. School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
2. Fluids & Thermal Engineering Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
3. Research Centre for Fluids and Thermal Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo 315100, China
Bio-inspired Recyclable Carbon Interface for Solar Steam Generation
Lei Shi1,2, Xinzhi Wang1, Yanwei Hu1, Yurong He1*, Yuying Yan2,3
- 1. School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
2. Fluids & Thermal Engineering Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
3. Research Centre for Fluids and Thermal Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo 315100, China
摘要： Solar power, as one of renewable energy, holds potential application for producing steam which relies on high-temperature liquid by traditional methods. Herein, steam was generated by a bio-inspired strategy derived from the plants transpiration using a Printed Recyclable Carbon Membrane (PRCM). The membrane structure facilitated the concentration of carbon particles for the photoreaction and the heat generation for water evaporation, thereby improving the photo-thermal conversion efficiency. The PRCM achieved the best steady evaporation efficiency of 51.9%, which was 5.6 times higher than the value for water and recycling tests were demonstrated. The carbon particles were separated from the water under the magnetism action, a convenient approach that avoided secondary pollution resulting from the disintegration of the PRCM. Rapid preparation, low cost, and reusability of the printed carbon membrane allow for photo-thermal applications such as solar steam generation and seawater desalination.