Research Projects

The project aims to design a cost-effective solar water purifier to address the global freshwater challenge. The project involves using a steam condensation strategy to create a highly efficient interfacial solar steam generator (ISSG) that collects freshwater at a rate over 2.5 l.m-2 per hour under 1 sun solar illumination from seawater. The conical ISSG system will have separated absorption and evaporation surfaces, preventing salt agglomeration during desalination. A thin hydrogel layer will be deposited on the out surface to act as the evaporation surface, reducing water evaporation enthalpy and enhancing evaporation rate. A cup-shaped cylindrical copper condenser will be used to restrict steam within the condenser. Seawater will be conducted through the surface of the condenser using cotton cloths, and the effective condensation surface area will be increased by chemical etching of the inner surface of the copper condenser. Aluminum and copper will be the primary substrate for solar still design, with graphite powder or MnO2 nanopowder being used for low-cost devices. The project has achieved nearly 100 condensation rates by changing the water transporting path and collecting water at a low evaporation rate. The use of hydrogel will decrease the latent heat of vaporization and increase the evaporation rate, ensuring project feasibility.