An exciting development in Material horizonsDr. Edison Ang, Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Education/Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, presents a groundbreaking solution for water purification and pollutant removal. This novel approach is described in the study entitled “ “Monolithic floating solar photothermal evaporator with dual function: efficient regeneration of clean water in synergy with pollutant degradation.”

Dr. Ang and his research team have introduced an innovative evaporator that integrates nanometric CuFe₂O₄ and plasmonic Cu into graphitic porous carbon nanofibers (CNF) using electrospinning and controlled graphitization techniques. This cutting-edge material is then embedded into a melamine sponge using a calcium ion-triggered cross-linking process with sodium alginate (SA), creating the S-FeCu/CNF system – a robust and efficient solution for water treatment.

The S-FeCu/CNF material exhibits excellent light absorption properties (≥95%) and offers excellent performance even under harsh conditions. The evaporator achieves impressive solar vapor conversion efficiency with an evaporation rate of 1.61 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ under solar irradiation. In a 20% NaCl solution, it maintains a high evaporation rate of 1.54 kg m⁻² h⁻¹, thus exhibiting excellent resistance to salt accumulation and long-term stability.

In addition to its water purification capabilities, the S-FeCu/CNF evaporator is also excellent as a heterogeneous catalyst to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS), which enables the rapid degradation of contaminants. The system’s exceptional catalytic cycle stability ensures that it produces clean water that meets World Health Organization (WHO) standards.

Dr. Ang emphasized the importance of this dual-function device, saying, “This monolithic design not only improves water regeneration but also significantly promotes pollutant removal. It offers a promising solution for desalination and wastewater treatment.”

This study represents a breakthrough in integrating solar photothermal and catalytic processes into a single, efficient system. By combining effective light absorption with advanced oxidation techniques, the S-FeCu/CNF evaporator makes a valuable contribution to addressing global water and environmental problems.

Dr. Ang concluded with a forward-looking perspective: “As we continue to develop and refine this technology, it has the potential to play a key role in sustainable water treatment and support the pursuit of cleaner water and more effective pollutant management.”

Journal reference:

1. “Monolithic floating solar photothermal evaporator with dual function: Efficient clean water regeneration in synergy with pollutant degradation”, authored by Hongyao Zhao, Danhong Shang, Haodong Li, Marliyana Aizudin, Hongyang Zhu, Xiu Zhong, Yang Liu, Zhenxiao Wang, Ruiting Ni, Yanyun Wang, Sheng Tang, Edison Huixiang Ang, and Fu Yang, is available in Materials Horizons, 2024: DOI:10.1039/D4MH00696H