3. Conclusion
In summary, hydrophile/hydrophobe amphipathic Janus nanofibers aerogel
is fabricated by the combination of parallel electrospinning technology
and freeze drying. Photothermal materials are covered on the six
surfaces of the cubic aerogel to obtain a 3D self-floating solar steam
generator. The light absorption rate of the product is above 95 % in
the full spectrum range. Under light irradiation, the surface
temperature of the product rapidly rises to meet the requirement of fast
water evaporation within 2 min. The water evaporation rate can reach up
to 2.944 kg·m-2·h-1 with the energy
efficiency of 91.05 % under 1 sun irradiation, and after the product is
flipped, the water evaporation rate can be quickly recovered. Owing to
the salt-resisting property, the formation of salt deposition can be
effectively slowed down, so that the performance attenuation in the
evaporation of saline water is suppressed. The product possesses
excellent ability of solar desalination and removing organic pollutants
to acquire drinkable water.