Micro-flower like 1T-2H-MoS2@ZIF8@C composites for efficient interfacial solar vapor generation

Abstract

Solar distillation can directly produce clean water from non-potable water resources using solar energy and has great promise in desalination systems. However, the improvement of evaporation efficiency through the selection and optimization of suitable candidate materials is still a challenging problem. In this paper, by implementing a customized insulating floating layer and establishing an interfacial evaporation system, we have achieved a successful experiment demonstrating the potential to improve the efficacy of solar steam generation. This system is created by growing 1T-2H mixed-phase molybdenum disulfide composites on the carbonized ZIF8 surface. In this study, the treated composites were well integrated with the thermal insulating floating layer to achieve a stable interfacial structure for photothermal conversion. Furthermore, the cotton threads, known for their great absorbency, created an unhindered pathway for water flow, making it easier for steam to be generated and circulated. Using the above system, under one solar illumination condition, a significant evaporation rate of 1.57 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ was attained. The solar steam conversion efficiency of this interfacial heating system under one solar illumination condition was 94.4%. In addition to demonstrating that interface engineering is effective for solar steam production, this work offers a simple and economical water purification method.