Precision-engineered, polymer-lean, digital light processing 3D-printed hydrogels for enhancing solar steam generation and sustainable water treatment.

IF 12.2 2区材料科学 Q1 CHEMISTRY, MULTIDISCIPLINARY

Materials Horizons Pub Date : 2025-03-17 DOI:10.1039/d5mh00018a

Shudi Mao, Xin Stella Zhang, Yihan Shi, An Feng, Casey Onggowarsito, Xiaoxue Helen Xu, Lisa Aditya, Youyi Sun, Long D Nghiem, Qiang Fu

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) using hydrogels offers a sustainable approach to desalination, addressing global water scarcity challenges. However, conventional hydrogel fabrication methods, such as moulding or direct ink writing 3D printing, lack the precision to control micro- and/or macrostructures effectively. Digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing has emerged as a powerful alternative, enabling the reproducible and high-fidelity fabrication of hydrogels with precisely engineered structures. In this study, we developed a novel DLP printing "ink" that maintains excellent printability while minimizing precursor concentrations. Using this ink, we successfully printed hydrogels with tunable engineered structures, allowing for precise control over water transport and heat management. These hydrogels demonstrated a high evaporation rate of 3.56 kg m^-2 h^-1 and an impressive daily water production rate exceeding 10 L m^-2. This research thus advance the practical application of ISSG technology, providing a cost-effective and sustainable solution for freshwater production.

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来源期刊

Materials Horizons CHEMISTRY, MULTIDISCIPLINARY-MATERIALS SCIENCE, MULTIDISCIPLINARY

CiteScore

18.90

自引率

2.30%

发文量

306

审稿时长

1.3 months

期刊介绍： Materials Horizons is a leading journal in materials science that focuses on publishing exceptionally high-quality and innovative research. The journal prioritizes original research that introduces new concepts or ways of thinking, rather than solely reporting technological advancements. However, groundbreaking articles featuring record-breaking material performance may also be published. To be considered for publication, the work must be of significant interest to our community-spanning readership. Starting from 2021, all articles published in Materials Horizons will be indexed in MEDLINE©. The journal publishes various types of articles, including Communications, Reviews, Opinion pieces, Focus articles, and Comments. It serves as a core journal for researchers from academia, government, and industry across all areas of materials research. Materials Horizons is a Transformative Journal and compliant with Plan S. It has an impact factor of 13.3 and is indexed in MEDLINE.