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Intensifying Heat Using MOF‐Isolated Graphene for Solar‐Driven Seawater Desalination at 98% Solar‐to‐Thermal Efficiency
Author(s) -
Han Xuemei,
Besteiro Lucas V.,
Koh Charlynn Sher Lin,
Lee Hiang Kwee,
Phang In Yee,
PhanQuang Gia Chuong,
Ng Jing Yi,
Sim Howard Yi Fan,
Lay Chee Leng,
Govorov Alexander,
Ling Xing Yi
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.202008904
Subject(s) - materials science , energy conversion efficiency , desalination , graphene , photothermal therapy , chemical engineering , thermal , absorbance , energy transformation , solar energy , nanotechnology , imidazolate , optoelectronics , optics , meteorology , thermodynamics , ecology , genetics , physics , membrane , engineering , biology
Photothermal materials are crucial for diverse heating applications, but it remains challenging to achieve high energy conversion efficiency due to the difficulty to concurrently improve light absorbance and suppress heat loss. Herein, a zeolitic imidazolate framework‐isolated graphene (G@ZIF) nanohybrid is demonstrated that utilizes ultrathin, heat‐insulating ZIF layers, and G@ZIF interfacial nanocavity to synergistically intensify light absorbance and heat localization. Under artificial sunlight illumination (≈1 kW m −2 ), the G@ZIF film attains a maximum temperature of 120 °C in an open environment with a 98% solar‐to‐thermal conversion efficiency. Importantly, the porous ZIF layer allows small molecules/media to enter and access the embedded hot graphene surface for targeted heat transfer in practical applications. As a proof‐of‐concept, the G@ZIF‐based steam generator realizes 96% energy conversion from light to vapor with near‐perfect desalination and water purification efficiencies (>99.9%). This design is generic and can be extended to other photothermal systems for advanced solar‐thermal applications, including catalysis, water treatments, sterilization, and mechanical actuation.