Preparation of mechanically robust Fe3O4/porous carbon/diatomite composite monolith for solar steam generation

Ma, Yuhui; Cao, Junrui

Preparation of mechanically robust Fe3O4/porous carbon/diatomite composite monolith for solar steam generation

2020

Ma, Yuhui | Cao, Junrui

Mechanically robust Fe₃O₄/porous carbon/diatomite composite monolith was prepared from waste corrugated cardboard box and diatomite via slurrying in FeCl₃ solution, dewatering, molding, and carbonization at 600 °C. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM), N₂-adsorption/desorption, Raman spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared (UV-Vis-NIR) spectroscopy. The water wettability, photothermal conversion property, and solar steam generation performance of the products were also evaluated. Results showed that the presence of FeCl₃ led to the formation of more pores and magnetic Fe₃O₄ crystallites, while diatomite provided good hydrophilicity for the composite. The product exhibited light absorption above 65% within the wavelength ranging from 200 to1974 nm, and its surface temperature eventually increased by 30 °C under 0.25 sun irradiation due to photothermal effect. Moreover, solar steam yield under 0.25 sun irradiation for 3600 s was improved by 67% with the presence of the monolithic composite because of the occurrence of interfacial solar steam generation and heat transfer from the composite acted as a heat island.

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