Distribution-according-to-work: Enhancing solar vapor generation of photothermal sponge by using cellulose-based water storage platform

Interfacial solar vapor generation (ISVG) has shown extraordinary promise in achieving high-efficiency water purification. However, the rapid water supply often leads to excessive water in the solar absorber, resulting in undesired heat loss and a decrease in evaporation rate. To tackle this issue, we developed a bio-based solar evaporator comprising cellulose-based water retention resin (CRR) and straw-derived photothermal sponge. CRR serves as an effective water storage platform with a high binding capacity for water molecules, preventing water from entering the absorber and reducing the water evaporation enthalpy. The water management of CRR confines the solar-to-vapor conversion to the interface between CRR and the photothermal sponge, thereby eliminating the adverse effects of excess water. Additionally, the ISVG process operates based on the principle of Distribution-according-to-work, meaning that the quantity of generated vapor depends on the evolution of the sponge structure. Optimal sponge configuration enables evaporation rates of 2.28 and 1.53 kg/m2/h under solar irradiation of 1.0 and 0.5 kW/m2, respectively. Additionally, the obtained evaporator is capable of producing 7.1 kg/m2/day of freshwater in outdoor experiment. This report proposes a novel approach to designing an ISVG device that incorporates effective water management strategy for achieving high-efficiency water purification in real-world scenarios.