Vertically-Oriented Graphene Photothermal Evaporation Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing localized heating systems for solar photothermal conversion face issues with mechanical stability due to easy separation of light absorbers and heat insulators, and heat loss from liquid penetration into the insulator, which deteriorates thermal insulation and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A photothermal evaporation material integrating light absorption and thermal insulation, comprising vertically-oriented graphene as the light absorber and graphene foam as the heat insulator, connected by covalent bonds, with hydrophilic functional groups on the graphene to enhance capillary action and prevent liquid infiltration, improving mechanical stability and thermal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a double-layer structure with light absorber stacked directly on heat insulator is used, then photothermal conversion efficiency is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates due to easy separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light absorber and heat insulator into a single integrated structure where vertically-oriented graphene serves as both the light-absorbing layer and the structural framework, eliminating the interface between separate layers and preventing separation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material design by combining vertically-oriented graphene with hydrophilic functional groups and hydrophobic coating to create a multi-functional material that simultaneously provides light absorption, thermal insulation, and liquid management capabilities
2Productivity
If liquid is allowed to transport through heat insulator for heat exchange, then evaporation efficiency is improved, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates due to liquid penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different regions: the outer surface has hydrophobic coating to prevent penetration, while the interior maintains porous structure for liquid transport, creating localized functionality that simultaneously achieves insulation and evaporation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous structure of vertically-oriented graphene to enable liquid transport through capillary action while maintaining thermal insulation, as the porous structure allows selective liquid flow without compromising the insulating matrix
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 solution enhances the stability and photothermal conversion efficiency of the system, enabling fast and efficient evaporation while preventing heat loss, and is suitable for applications like seawater desalination and high-temperature steam sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
Photothermal conversion is one of the most important forms of solar energy utilization. How to convert solar energy to thermal energy efficiently and cost-effectively
Implementation Method 2
the heat insulator blocks heat transport and reduces heat dissipation
Implementation Method 3
the vertically-oriented graphene modified with hydrophilic functional groups can be used as a liquid flow channel to transport liquid to a local high-temperature area through capillary action
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a photothermal evaporation material integrating light absorption and thermal insulation, comprising a heat insulator and a light absorber that covers the external surface of the heat insulator, the light absorber is vertically-oriented graphene, the heat insulator is a graphene foam, and the vertically-oriented graphene and graphene foam are connected by covalent bonds; the light absorber is vertically-oriented graphene whose surface is modified with hydrophilic functional groups. The invention also discloses a method for fabricating the photothermal evaporation material integrating light absorption and thermal insulation. The invention also discloses a solar energy photothermal seawater desalination device and a high-temperature steam sterilization device. The photothermal evaporation material integrating light absorption and thermal insulation overcomes the problem of easy separation between the light absorber and the heat insulator, realizes rapid and efficient photothermal evaporation, and improves the stability and photothermal conversion efficiency of the solar photothermal seawater desalination device and the high-temperature steam sterilization device.