Solar Vapor Generation Enabled by Nanoparticles O. Neumann, A. S. Urban, J. Day, S. Lal, P. Nordlander, and N. J. Halas ACSNANO - Article ASAP

Schematic of nanoparticle-enabled solar steam generation: initially, light is absorbed by nanoparticles, raising their surface temperature above the boiling point of the fluid. The nanoparticle surface serves as a boiling nucleation site. Vapor is formed around the nanoparticle surface, and the complex moves to the liquid air interface, where the steam is released. New liquid is replenished at the hot nanoparticle surface, and the process is repeated.

Abstract

Solar illumination of broadly absorbing metal or carbon nanoparticles dispersed in a liquid produces vapor without the requirement of heating the fluid volume. When particles are dispersed in water at ambient temperature, energy is directed primarily to vaporization of water into steam, with a much smaller fraction resulting in heating of the fluid. Sunlight-illuminated particles can also drive H2O ethanol distillation, yielding fractions significantly richer in ethanol content than simple thermal distillation. These phenomena can also enable important compact solar applications such as sterilization of waste and surgical instruments in resource-poor locations.

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