| 초록 |
Solar desalination systems using a thermosensitive hydrogel have presented great potential for solving the global water scarcity. However, for the practical use in sea water, using an external power for pumping sea water to evaporation part is inevitable. Here, we report a solar evaporator that can be driven not by external energy, but by diurnal temperature variation. In the previous study, we developed an asymmetric composite of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) showing fast deswelling behavior responsive to temperature above 32 °C. By using the PNIPAm/PDMS composite, water pump system operated by diurnal temperature variation can be obtained. Separation of water pumping and evaporation part can also help the diurnal operation of the desalination system and improve sustainability. This method presents the possibility that the diurnal motion of the sun can be used as a new energy source in desalination system. |
