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Research Article

A green and efficient strategy facilitates continuous solar-induced steam generation based on tea-assisted synthesis of gold nanoflowers

Guoshuai Zhu1,§, Gaoxing Jing1,§, Guorong Xu3, Qiang Li3, Ruijia Huang1, Feng Li1, Haoxuan Li2( ), Dong Wang4( ), Wenwen Chen1( ), Ben Zhong Tang5
Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518055, China
Key Laboratory of Eco-Textiles (Ministry of Education), Nonwoven Technology Laboratory, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
The Institute of Seawater Desalination and Multipurpose Utilization, Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Tianjin 300192, China
Centre for AIE Research, College of Material Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
School of Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Functional Aggregate Materials, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China

§ Guoshuai Zhu and Gaoxing Jing contributed equally to this work.

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Graphical Abstract

A green approach to prepare metal-based solar absorbers and a straightforward method to harvest CNC-PU-Au (CNC = cellulose nanocrystal and PU = polyurethane) evaporator are innovated for efficient solar steam generation. The evaporator is able to strongly self-pump water, efficiently convert sunlight into heat, and consequently promote the interfacial solar water evaporation, making it promising in seawater desalination, as well as solute enrichment and industrial separation.

Abstract

Developing a highly efficient system for solar steam generation (SSG) using a straightforward and eco-friendly method to harvest freshwater is fascinating but challenging. Here, we stir the mixture of brewed tea and HAuCl4 to prepare Au nanoflowers, possessing broad wavelength light absorption and excellent photothermal effects. After freeze-drying the mixture of Au nanoflowers, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), and aqueous polyurethane (PU) emulsion, we obtain three-dimensional (3D) porous structures (CNC-PU-Au) for SSG. The whole process does not involve any sophisticated procedure or produce detrimental by-products. The evaporation rates are 2.24 kg·m−2·h−1 for pure water and 2.18 kg·m−2·h−1 for seawater using CNC-PU-Au under one sun. The solar energy conversion efficiency is up to 90.92% under one sun illumination. Besides, CNC-PU-Au shows self-driven salt resistance and durability. In outdoors application for seawater desalination, the maximum evaporation rate can maintain at 2.19 kg·m−2·h−1 in spring and 3.42 kg·m−2·h−1 in summer. These unique features promise the utility of CNC-PU-Au in the eco-friendly water treatment industry.

Keywords

Au nanoflowerssolar steam generationeco-friendlyself-cleaningseawater desalination

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Nano Research
Volume 15 Issue 7,
July 2022
Pages 6705-6712
DOI: 10.1007/s12274-022-4269-7
Cite this article:
Zhu G, Jing G, Xu G, et al. A green and efficient strategy facilitates continuous solar-induced steam generation based on tea-assisted synthesis of gold nanoflowers. Nano Research, 2022, 15(7): 6705-6712. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-022-4269-7
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Received: 13 January 2022
Revised: 22 February 2022
Accepted: 22 February 2022
Published: 20 April 2022
© Tsinghua University Press 2022
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