Multilayer body, preparation method therefor and use thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for desalinating seawater using solar energy face inefficiencies due to high costs and complex preparation processes of light absorbers, making them unsuitable for large-scale production and application.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer body composed of a water-permeable base body combined with a carbon material layer, including graphite, graphene, graphene oxide, or carbon nanotubes, is used as a light absorber, which is easy to prepare and cost-effective, allowing for efficient solar energy utilization and steam generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If nanoparticles or porous materials are used as light absorbers, then solar energy utilization efficiency is improved, but preparation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar energy utilization efficiencyVSAvoidpreparation process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a carbon material layer combined with a water-permeable base body. This composite design achieves high solar energy utilization efficiency while maintaining simple preparation processes and low costs, resolving the contradiction between performance and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The water-permeable base body provides a porous structure that enables efficient water transport to the carbon material layer. This porous design enhances solar energy utilization by ensuring adequate water supply for steam generation without complicating the overall preparation process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Productivity

If nanoparticles or porous materials are used as light absorbers, then steam generation efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteam generation efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs carbon materials such as graphite, graphene, or carbon nanotubes combined with inexpensive water-permeable base bodies. This combination achieves high steam generation efficiency while using cost-effective materials that are easy to manufacture on a large scale

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes parameters such as carbon material layer thickness, porosity, and water permeability to achieve high steam generation efficiency. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system maintains high productivity while using simple, low-cost materials and preparation methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If water has high reflectivity and transmissivity, then light penetration is improved, but heat generation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight energy absorptionVSAvoidwater reflectivity and transmissivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a carbon material layer with high optical absorbance locally on the water-permeable base body. This localized application of light-absorbing material compensates for water's high reflectivity and transmissivity, enabling efficient light energy absorption and conversion to heat at the interface where water is supplied

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The multilayer body achieves high efficiency in generating water vapor and solar energy utilization, with low thermal conductivity, durability, and stability, making it suitable for large-scale desalination and water purification.

Implementation Method 1

The light energy absorbed by the absorption body is then transferred to the water body in a form of heat energy, and then the water is heated to generate steam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

When irritated by light, the nanoparticles can generate heat energy to heat the water. Thus, the water can be evaporated effectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotothermal conversion:

Implementation Method 3

the water is heated to generate steam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 4

a water permeable base body combined with a carbon material layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS10829390B2Multilayer body, preparation method therefor and use thereof

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 NANJING UNIV

AI summary

Disclosed is a multilayer body, comprising a base (2) and a carbon material layer (1) on the base (2), wherein the base (2) is water-permeable, and the carbon material comprises one or more of the following materials: graphite, graphene, graphene oxide, a chemical function group-modified graphene and carbon nanotubes. Further disclosed are a method for preparing the multilayer body, the use of the multilayer body, and a light-absorbing device containing the multilayer body.