Generating Solar Steam Using Waste Cellulose Fabric: Harnessing Synthetic yet Plentiful and Cost-Effective Resources.

Abstract

Numerous studies have been conducted into the reuse of such waste fabric; however, diversity in fiber type and the dyes used limits their potential applications. Therefore, innovative methods for recycling waste fiber need to be developed. This study explored the use of waste fabric as the primary raw material for the development of solar steam generators (SSGs) by harnessing abundant and affordable artificial three-dimensional (3D) structures to deliver an efficient and cost-effective steam-generation solution. The limitations associated with conventional steam-generation methods, such as high costs and the limited availability of suitable materials, were addressed by combining waste fabric with readily available artificial 3D structures. This investigation encompassed the design and fabrication of waste-fabric-based SSGs and evaluated performance, with an emphasis on viability, affordability, and scalability. Cotton fabric heat treated at 400 °C for 1 h exhibited a high light absorbance of 94.7%. In addition, an SSG fabricated using this cotton fabric delivered a high evaporation rate of 2.66 kg/(m2∙h). These findings contribute to the advancement of sustainable and accessible applications in a variety of domains by leveraging the potential of affordable artificial 3D structures for use in SSG applications.