Biomimic Design of Solar Steam Generation Devices Enabled by the Tannin–Iron Complex

Solar-powered steam generation equipment has experienced considerable advancement in recent years as it offers a cleaner and greener method for freshwater production. However, the devices always suffer from a complicated process, high cost, and salt accumulation, which hinder their further application. Here, inspired by the water lily, a highly efficient and antisalt accumulation interfacial solar-driven steam generation device was designed by using the tannic acid-Fe³⁺ complex as photothermal material. The designed evaporator could be quickly unfolded within 24 s after being irradiated with light and then produce fresh water. It folded within 10 s and then sank into water for removing the accumulated salt after removing the irradiation sources. In addition, the tannic acid-Fe³⁺ complex on the evaporator surface and the angle of the evaporator allowed light to be reflected several times within the evaporator, effectively increasing the solar energy conversion efficient (2.22 kg/(m²·h)), and apparently, the overall evaporation efficiency of 139.18% was achieved under 1 sun illumination. Moreover, it exhibited an extraordinary antisalt accumulation capacity (by working continuously for 7 days in 10 wt % saline water and 80% reduction in salt accumulation) as well as a low price ($ 1.11/m²). This design would provide a strategy to prepare an antisalt accumulation solar steam devices.