Solar interface evaporation system multi-field synergies boost water purification and blue energy harvest technologies

Abstract

The escalating water and energy crises have led to attempts at combining purifying water and blue energy harvesting using solar interfacial evaporation systems (SIESs) based on hybrid systems. The thermally-localized multi-stage recycling and water-energy co-generation devices that have been proposed have a solar-to-vapor efficiency exceeding the thermodynamic limit and comprehensive energy utilization harvesting sustainable gains. However, the breakthrough of solar energy efficiency is difficult to cope with the water complexity and explore the scenario application potential. Actual high-entropy water contains thermal and chemical energy and extracting this in-situ energy feedback to SIES through a photo-thermal-electric synergy mechanism could lead to a high-performance energy cycle. From this perspective, this study reviewed SIES research from the light, thermal and hydrochemical fields and the corresponding energy units and then quantified the gain effect. A multi-field synergies concept is proposed to regulate the relationships between water molecules, electrons, and ions to discuss further the possibility of water yield, water quality, fuel and power improvement. This study provides new insights into multi-disciplinary and multi-field water treatment technologies that are based on sustainable energy sources.