Open AccessArtificial Mushroom Sponge Structure for Highly Efficient and Inexpensive Cold‐Water Steam Generation
Author(s) -
Gao Xiujun,
Lan Haihang,
Li Songru,
Lu Xubing,
Zeng Min,
Gao Xingsen,
Wang Qianming,
Zhou Guofu,
Liu JunMing,
Naughton Michael J.,
Kempa Krzysztof,
Gao Jinwei
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
global challenges
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2056-6646
DOI - 10.1002/gch2.201800035
Subject(s) - polyvinyl alcohol , desalination , water desalination , materials science , charcoal , mushroom , waste management , process engineering , pulp and paper industry , chemistry , composite material , membrane , metallurgy , engineering , biochemistry , food science
A bioinspired structure of an artificial mushroom, made of the common polyvinyl alcohol sponge coated with charcoal, is fabricated, with high efficiency in generating cold water steam of ≈73% under 1 sun illumination, due to very high light absorption, efficient water supply, and low heat loss. In addition, the structure is very inexpensive, and thus ideal for applications in portable cold (boil‐free) steam generators for water purification and desalination.