Abstract
Hygroscopic salt-based composite sorbents are considered ideal candidates for solar-driven atmospheric water harvesting. The primary challenge for the sorbents lies in exposing more hygroscopically active sites to the surrounding air while preventing salt leakage. Herein, a hierarchically structured scaffold is constructed by integrating cellulose nanofiber and lithium chloride (LiCl) as building blocks through 3D printing combined with freeze-drying. The milli/micrometer multiscale pores can effectively confine LiCl and simultaneously provide a more exposed active area for water sorption and release, accelerating both water sorption and evaporation kinetics of the 3D printed structure. Compared to a conventional freeze-dried aerogel, the 3D printed scaffold exhibits a water sorption rate that is increased 1.6-fold, along with a more than 2.4-fold greater water release rate. An array of bilayer scaffolds is demonstrated, which can produce 0.63 g g−1 day−1 of water outdoors under natural sunlight. This article provides a sustainable strategy for collecting freshwater from the atmosphere.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 2306653 |
Journal | Advanced Materials |
Volume | 36 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 4 Jan 2024 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- 3D printing
- bilayer structure
- cellulose nanofiber scaffolds
- hygroscopic salts
- water harvesting
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Materials Science
- Mechanics of Materials
- Mechanical Engineering