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Thermodynamically Induced Interfacial Condensation for Efficient Fog Harvesting

Yating Ji, Weifeng Yang, Xiaoyan Li, Keru Hou, Peibo Du, Hong Zhao, Zhuizhui Fan, Bi Xu, Zaisheng Cai

2023Small35 citationsDOI

Abstract

Abstract Fog harvesting is a sustainable approach to dealing with the global freshwater crisis. A range of strategies in microstructure design and wettability remodeling for fog management are clearly explained. However, the influence of thermodynamic endothermic and exothermic processes on fog harvesting is rarely explored. Here, a thermodynamically induced interfacial condensation‐enhanced fog‐harvesting fabric (AWF‐6) is developed that also incorporates asymmetric geometry and surface chemistry. By coupling the high thermal conductivity interface supported by boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS), the Laplace pressure difference generated by nanoneedles, and the wettability gradient constructed by stearic acid (STA), the fabric achieves a water collection rate (WCR) of 1538.4 mg h cm −2 , which is the maximum value in state‐of‐the‐art cotton‐based fog harvesting devices (FHDs). Furthermore, the potential application of AWF‐6 in agricultural irrigation is demonstrated. This study shows a thermodynamic proposal for building next‐generation fibrous FHDs.

Topics & Concepts

Materials scienceWettingEndothermic processExothermic reactionCondensationBoron nitridePorosityChemical engineeringNanotechnologyThermodynamicsComposite materialAdsorptionChemistryPhysical chemistryPhysicsEngineeringSolar-Powered Water Purification MethodsSurface Modification and SuperhydrophobicityAdvanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials