Solar interfacial evaporation systems with multi-field synergies boost water purification and blue energy harvesting 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 achieve comprehensive energy utilization, harvesting sustainable gains. However, that breakthroughs in solar energy efficiency does not effectively mobilize the energy contained in water and its substance, and the need to explore practical application potential in diverse water scenarios. Actual high-entropy water contains thermal and chemical energy and extracting this in situ energy and feeding back 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 across light, thermal and hydrochemical fields and the corresponding energy units and then quantified the gain effect. A multi-field synergy concept is proposed to regulate the relationships between water molecules, electrons, and ions further exploring the possibilities for improving water yield, water quality, fuel and power. This study provides new insights into multi-disciplinary and multi-field water treatment technologies that are based on sustainable energy sources.