Optimized Water Supply in a Solar Evaporator for Simultaneous Freshwater Production and Salt Recycle
Zhi Yang, Dawei Li, Kaijie Yang, Lei Chen, Jian Wang, Xiaoying Zhu, Baoliang Chen
Abstract
Solar desalination has shown great potential in alleviating global water scarcity. However, the trade-off between energy efficiency and salt rejection remains a challenge, restricting its practical applications. In this study, we report a three-dimensional nitrocellulose membrane-based evaporator featuring a high evaporation rate (1.5 kg m –2 h –1 ) and efficient salt precipitation at the edges. Additionally, the salt is isolated from the photothermal area of the evaporator and falls automatically with a salt recovery rate of 97 g m –2 h –1 in brine with 10 wt % salt content. The distinctive performance is attributed to the precise water supply control, which was adjusted by changing the resistance force and driven force in the evaporator. With a high evaporation rate, stable performance, and specific salt recovery ability, this solar evaporation structure holds great potential in water desalination and resource recovery.