Composite Braided Fabric Coupled with Photothermal and Electrothermal Processes for Stable and Continuous All-Day Desalination

In this study, a carbon fiber/tencel composite braided fabric was used in stable and continuous all-day desalination technology with superior photothermal and electrothermal conversion capability. The desalination performance was regulated by adjusting the braiding parameters. Because the water in carbon fibers is maintained in the capillary state and thus evaporates more easily in clusters, it required less energy to evaporate water off the composite fabric. Under 1 sun illumination, the average evaporation rate and the evaporation efficiency were 1.84 kg m–2 h–1 and 88.8%, respectively. When a small amount of electricity (3 V) was applied, the evaporation rate of the braided fabric was maintained at over 1.88 kg m–2 h–1, and a superior desalination performance during the daytime was achieved. Under continuous all-day operation, most of the organics, metal ions, and contaminants were effectively eliminated from the water, which satisfied the WHO drinkable water standards. Our results can contribute to paving the way for efficient and stable wastewater treatment, seawater desalination, and drinking water collection methods.