Enhanced solar steam generation using carbonized Platanus acerifolia fruit with fibrous channels for improved water transport

Abstract

Solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SIE) faces challenges in practical applications due to low water transport rates and suboptimal light-to-heat conversion efficiency. To address these issues, innovative approaches are needed to enhance solar energy utilization and evaporator performance. This study presents a novel approach using the naturally structured fruit of Platanus acerifolia (PAF) combined with the fibrous crown hair of dandelions. The unique structure of PAF enhances solar light absorption and water transport, crucial for efficient SIE. We optimized PAF through a carbonization process after immersing it in transition metal solutions, leveraging its inherent structural properties to achieve a high carbon yield and improved thermal stability. The optimized material achieved a high evaporation rate of 2.17 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ and a light-to-heat energy conversion efficiency of 117.2%. These results demonstrate the potential of PAF as a highly efficient and easily produced material for solar water treatment applications. The facile production process and the natural abundance of PAF make it a promising and sustainable solution for SIE.