Inclined solar interface evaporation system with downward steam generation for efficient desalination and salt crystallization positioning

Solar-driven Interfacial Vapor Generation (SIVG) has been recognized as a potentially effective method of converting seawater into potable freshwater resources. In this work, we employed a straightforward approach to cultivate CuS and polypyrrole on copper foam as an solar absorber, while sterilized face towels served as water an evaporation interface and water transport sites. An inclined steam blocking evaporator with a salt-out part that attracts salt aggregation was ingeniously designed to improve the salt-resistant performance. Even in 15 wt% brine, the evaporation equipment maintained a stable and high evaporation rate, with an average evaporation rate of about 1.588 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 solar illumination. More particularly, in order to improve the water collection rate, a beveled condensers placed at the bottom of the steam blocking evaporator was customized, so as to shorten the steam condensation path and achieve internal water collection. Therefore, the water collection rate of the evaporator is as high as 2.238 kg m−2 h−1 and water collection efficiency is 85.90 %. Additionally, the evaporation device can effectively purify heavy metal ions and organic matter. This study can provide a new idea for the design and performance improvement of solar interfacial vapor generation and water collection device.