Solar Vapor Generation System Using Polymer Electrolyte Composite Hydrogel

Polyelectrolyte composites (PECs) formed through ionic interactions between cationic and anionic polymer chains and PEDOT:PEC, in which a conductive polymer PEDOT (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)) is introduced, have been used as materials constituting the membranes of solar vapor generation systems (SVGs). This addresses a critical issue related to the reduction in evaporation rates due to salt crystal formation. In particular, the unique characteristic of PEC is that it can interact with salt. This allows it to efficiently change the state of water for evaporation in salt solutions rather than pure water compared to other hydrogel materials. In addition, porous internal channels can be fabricated through pretreatment with salt. This not only floats on water but also facilitates water supply. Consequently, this substantial improvement in evaporation rates reached 1.88 kg m –2 h –1 under conditions similar to actual seawater concentrations.