Multifunctional Phra Phrom-like Graphene-Based Membrane for Environmental Remediation and Resources Regeneration

Abstract

Water and energy shortages are interdependent major worldwide issues that cannot be disregarded. In this work, graphene and BaTiO3 are used to synergistically facilitate the self-assembly of the β-phase that is known to induce the piezoelectric properties of the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). This leads to a PVDF/graphene-BaTiO3 nanocomposite with a unique capability of integrating Phra Phrom-like four functions into one single asymmetric membrane: i) solar evaporation, ii) power generation, iii) piezo-photodegradation, and iv) self-cleaning/monitoring for environmental remediation and resources regeneration. The high heat accumulation capability and piezoelectric performance of the membrane enable it to simultaneously achieve a water production rate of 0.99 kgm−2h−1, in compliance with WHO standards, and a maximum power output of 5.73 Wm−2 in simulated natural environments. Upon subjecting the membranes to environmental cleaning, they not only show a 93% dye degradation rate due to the synergistic effect of piezoelectricity and photocatalysis but also resolve the membrane fouling issue, exhibiting ≈200% resistance change compared to the static state. The successful integration of these four functions into one membrane shows the great potential of this work toward a more sustainable and viable water and energy production approach.