Stabilized Mo2S3 by FeS2 based porous solar evaporation systems for highly efficient clean freshwater collection

Abstract Solar-powered vapor generation, by a strict structural design, has become one of the most effective ways to utilize solar energy for water remediation. Recently, low-cost molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) based solar evaporation systems have provided an ideal way for solar-powered vapor generation, while instability and low evaporation rate still remain as challenges. In this work, we introduce a stabilized Mo2S3 by FeS2 (Fe-Mo2S3) based porous solar evaporation system as a light-harvesting and light-thermal conversion material. The system reveals a dual feature with high light absorption and water supply, leading to a higher evaporation rate up to ~2.4 kg m-2 h-1 than MoS2 under 1 kW m-2 solar illumination. Long-time photothermal and cycle tests for brine further reveals that the porous solar evaporation system has excellent photothermal stability and relieves salt blockage problem to some extent. Meanwhile, this system can directly be used for the purification of seawater, organic solution and heavy metal ion solution. The water purification rate can reach approximately 1.76 kg m−2 h−1 under natural sun-light. It provides a very promising material for water purification, water pollution remediation and other related photothermal technologies.