Tree-Inspired Structurally Graded Aerogel with Synergistic Water, Salt, and Thermal Transport for High-Salinity Solar-Powered Evaporation

Xiaomeng Zhao, Heng Zhang, Kit Ying Chan, Xinyue Huang, Yunfei Yang, Xi Shen

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Inspired by transport system in trees, a two-way water and salt transport mechanism is realized in a structurally graded aerogel, enabling simultaneous fast water uptake and salt rejection. The horizontally aligned pore channels near the surface achieve excellent heat localization by maximizing solar absorption and minimizing heat loss. The integrated water, salt, and thermal transports impart an impressive evaporation rate of 1.94 kg m−2 h−1 in a 20 wt% NaCl solution for 8 h without salt accumulation.

Original languageEnglish
Article number222
JournalNano-Micro Letters
Volume16
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2024

Keywords

  • Composite aerogel
  • Graded structure
  • Salt rejection
  • Solar-powered evaporation
  • Thermal insulation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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