Polyelectrolyte Gradient Hydrogels for Efficient Solar Evaporation (Adv. Funct. Mater. 3/2026)

Advanced Functional Materials 2026 Open access

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Authors: J. Zhu, S. Y. Qiu, Mingyu Duan, Qihao Xie, Oushuo Jiang, Xinran Zhao, Di Wu, Yaxi Liu, Guang Chen, Xiayun Huang, Zhihong Nie
DOI: 10.1002/adfm.73575
Cited by: 1

Abstract

Polyelectrolyte Gradient Evaporators In their Research Article (10.1002/adfm.202512350), Xiayun Huang, Zhihong Nie, and co-workers report rapid fabrication of polyelectrolyte gradient hydrogels within 10 min. The surface-localized gradient generates a 125 kPa osmotic pressure to accelerate directional water transport, while the anchored polyelectrolytes disrupt the hydrogen bonds to lower evaporation enthalpy, enabling a stable evaporation rate of 4.5 kg m−2 h−1 over 7 days.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Solar-Powered Water Purification Methods Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity Nanomaterials and Printing Technologies

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Functional Materials
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
36
Issue
3
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN