A Scalable, Bionic Gemini‐Structured Solar Evaporator Enabling Ultrahigh‐Efficiency and Selective Lithium Extraction
Guoyan Yang, Zuozhu Yin, Xiangyu Han, Le Peng, Yingping Yang, Jilin Xu, Yongcun Ma, Zhen Hong, Yidan Luo, Mingshan Xue
Abstract
Abstract Facing the global surge in lithium demand and the high energy consumption challenges of traditional extraction technologies. Inspired by the natural release mechanism of Ganoderma lucidum spores, this study designs a scalable biomimetic Gemini‐structure solar‐powered evaporation system (SPCZH) for efficient and selective lithium extraction. The system comprises a three‐layer heterostructure: superhydrophobic photothermal aerogel layer (SPCP‐a), lithium‐selective ZIF‐8/PSS composite membrane (PZP), and superhydrophilic hydrogel layer (PCP‐h), achieving synergistic photothermal evaporation and ion sieving. Under 1 sun illumination, SPCZH achieves an evaporation rate of 2.98 kg m −2 h −1 with 93.79% energy efficiency. The 24 h lithium extraction capacity reaches 1353.5 mg·m −2 , demonstrating excellent Li⁺ selectivity. Outdoor experiments validate its dual capabilities of freshwater production and lithium enrichment in real‐world environments. This study provides a practical technical approach for the large‐scale, sustainable development of lithium resources using solar energy.