Facile fabrication of Ni5P4-NiMoOx nanorod arrays with synergistic thermal management for efficient interfacial solar steam generation and water purification

Interfacial steam generation by harnessing renewable solar energy has been recognized as a sustainable solution to global freshwater crisis. A promising evaporator with key components of high spectral absorption, efficient thermal management and adequate water transport is highly desired. In the present study, an integrated design for three-in-one functionality is achieved by simply loading Ni5P4-NiMoOx (P-NMO) on a macroporous nickel foam (NF) carrier. In situ embedding broadband Ni5P4 absorber into insulating NiMoOx enables efficient photothermal conversion and heat localization. Benefiting from proper thermal management and abundant water transmission, P-NMO/NF exhibits the excellent performance for interfacial steam generation with a high evaporation rate of 1.49 kg m-2h-1 and evaporation efficiency of 93.0 % under one sun irradiation. Furthermore, the obtained P-NMO/NF is proven to be applicable for high-efficiency freshwater production in seawater desalination and wastewater purification, showing great potential for practical solar evaporator under natural environmental conditions.(c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.