Synthesis of Ti3C2Tx MXene@Carbon-Enhanced cellulose fiber composite-based photothermal absorber for sustainable water desalination

Abstract

Desalination is a process that extracts salt and minerals from seawater to produce fresh water. It is critical, particularly for those who live on islands or coastal areas. Solar thermal desalination harnesses solar energy to address some of the challenges of traditional desalination methods. It uses solar power to heat seawater directly, initiating evaporation and leaving the salt behind, and further the vapor is condensed to produce fresh water. This method reduces reliance on fossil fuels, minimizing environmental impact and energy costs. This research unveils the synthesis of a solar evaporator consisting of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene coated over the carbon-enhanced cellulose fibers (CCF) (hereby termed the Ti₃C₂T_x MXene@CCF composite), which is the first-time report in the field of solar water desalination in using sustainable solar heat absorber. The Ti₃C₂T_x MXene@CCF composite achieves an impressive evaporation rate of 3.8 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ under 1 sun exposure. The hydrophilic Ti₃C₂T_x MXene coating on the porous CCF promotes rapid water evaporation. Ti₃C₂T_x MXene@CCF composite maximizes evaporation rates while maintaining water purity, which is in accordance with the World Health OrganizationFF (WHO) standards.