Bio-inspired Recyclable Carbon Interface for Solar Steam Generation

Abstract

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.