Efficient Interfacial Solar Steam Generator with Controlled Macromorphology Derived from Flour via "Dough Figurine" Technology

Solar-driven interface steam generator (SISG) is a most promising technology for seawater desalination and wastewater purification. A shape- and size-controlled, low-cost, eco-friendly solar-absorber material is urgently desired for practical application of SISG. Herein, we proposed a facile, sustainable and scalable approach to produce tailored SISG with controlled macromorphology derived from flour via "dough figurine" technology which is originated from the China Han Dynasty. Three kinds of self-floated flour-based absorbers i.e. near-cylindrical (integrated), near-spherical (loose packing) and powdery (dense packing) absorber used as SISGs were discussed, we found that the macromorphology significantly influences water transport and interfacial thermal management of SISG, the integrated absorber has an overwhelming advantage, which possesses a high evaporation efficiency 71.9% at normal solar illumination. The proposed "dough figurine" technology breaks the limitations of the inherent geometry of reported biomass based SISG, which provides an important guidance for SISG use in remote and impoverished areas.