Programming Bidirectional Heat Flow and Salt Pathways via a Symmetric Arc‐Modulated Aerogel for Stable Solar Evaporation

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Authors: Mingyu Wang, Long Peng, Tianxiang Zhou, Zhijian Li, Yi E, Liting Du, C. Y. Janey Wang, Xinyi Ran, Haifeng Zhang, Xianbao Wang
Cited by: 3
References: 34

Abstract

The practical application of solar‐driven interfacial evaporation (SDIE) is fundamentally challenged by inefficient heat distribution and salt accumulation. This work introduces an Arc‐Modulated Block Geometry (AMBG) aerogel evaporator that overcomes these limitations through synergistic geometry‐angle coupling. This unique design features a semicircular dual‐side structure tilted at 60° and integrated into a lightweight porous network, which not only establishes bidirectional heat‐transfer pathways to homogenize temperature fields and suppress hotspots, but also directs salt‐crystallization toward the edges, effectively preventing pore blockage. The resultant evaporator delivers a high evaporation rate of 2.88 kg m −2 h −1 and energy efficiency exceeding 93% under one‐sun illumination, with remarkable long‐term stability in high‐salinity environments. Our strategy pioneers a shift from conventional planar design to intelligent three‐dimensional structural modulation, providing a promising structural paradigm for efficient and durable solar desalination.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Solar-Powered Water Purification Methods Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity Adsorption and Cooling Systems

Publication details

Journal / source
Solar RRL
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
10
Issue
1
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN