Roof tile-inspired 3D arch evaporators based on Ti3C2Tx/MoSe2 photothermal nanocomposites for efficient solar desalination

Abstract

Solar-driven interfacial water evaporation is an effective method of obtaining fresh water from seawater and wastewater. However, there are still challenges for its practical application due to insufficient light absorption capacity, large heat loss, and salt precipitation. In this work, we construct a three-dimensional (3D) arch evaporator, based on carbon cloth and Ti₃C₂T_x/MoSe₂ photothermal composites with the synergistic effects of excellent photothermal conversion of Ti₃C₂T_x and the light absorption ability of MoSe₂. Furthermore, the 3D arch evaporator has the merits of double-side evaporation and a double insulation barrier, which can enhance steam diffusion by air convection and optimize heat conduction by the additional air layer. Specifically, the evaporation rate of the 3D evaporator is up to 3.91 kg m⁻² h⁻¹. Meanwhile, benefiting from the capillary action and the Marangoni effect, the 3D evaporator has a stable water supply and prominent self-cleaning ability. In addition, Ti₃C₂T_x/MoSe₂ has a good purification effect on pollutants such as heavy metal ions, organic dyes, and antibiotics due to its characteristic mesoporous structure and abundant active sites. Therefore, the 3D arch evaporator based on the Ti₃C₂T_x/MoSe₂ photothermal layer shows great potential in solar-driven desalination and wastewater treatment.