The effect of surface-free energy and microstructure on the condensation mechanism of water vapor
Shangsheng Zhang, Shuman Xu, Yang Liu, Ruicheng Lei, Tianli Guo, Yao Yao, Shangyu Gao, Jun Ding, Zengzhi Zhang
Abstract
Obtaining high-water-yield drinking water in arid areas without consuming energy is still a global challenge. Since water vapor is ubiquitous, atmospheric water harvesting technologies are undoubtedly one of the most promising candidates. A typical water condensation process is analyzed in this paper (nucleation, self-growth, coalescence and sliding). The mechanisms of interactions between adsorbate and water vapor are discussed. The effect of surface-free energy and microstructure on water vapor condensation is described. Finally, the main problems in developing more efficient, high-water-mass and high-cycle-stability atmospheric water collectors are summarized, and the future development trend has been prospected.