Dual Plasmons with Bioinspired 3D Network Structure Enabling Ultrahigh Efficient Solar Steam Generation

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Yong Wang - , University of Quebec (Author)
  • Wanting He - , University of Quebec (Author)
  • Ruiqi Yang - , University of Quebec (Author)
  • Darius Pohl - , Dresden Center for Nanoanalysis (DCN), TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Bernd Rellinghaus - , Dresden Center for Nanoanalysis (DCN) (Author)
  • Peter A. C. Neathway - , McMaster University, Diamond Light Source (Author)
  • Zahra Kalantari Bolaghi - , University of Quebec (Author)
  • Chen Wang - , University of Quebec (Author)
  • Ting Yu - , University of Quebec (Author)
  • Fan Yang - , Stanford University (Author)
  • Guozhu Chen - , University of Ji'nan (Author)
  • Mohamed Chaker - , University of Quebec (Author)
  • Aycan Yurtsever - , University of Quebec (Author)
  • Gianluigi A. Botton - , McMaster University, Diamond Light Source (Author)
  • Yannan Liu - , Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Author)
  • Dongling Ma - , University of Quebec (Author)

Abstract

Plasmonic nanomaterials such as Au, Ag, and Cu are widely recognized for their strong light-matter interactions, making them promising photothermal materials for solar steam generation. However, their practical use in water evaporation is significantly limited by the trade-off between high costs and poor stability. In this regard, we introduce a novel, nonmetallic dual plasmonic TiN/MoO3-x composite. This composite features a three-dimensional, urchin-like biomimetic structure, with plasmonic TiN nanoparticles embedded within a network of plasmonic MoO3-x nanorods. As a solar absorber, the TiN/MoO3-x composite achieves a high evaporation rate of similar to 2.05 kg m(-2) h(-1) with an energy efficiency up to 106.7% under 1 sun illumination, outperforming the state-of-the-art plasmonic systems. The high photothermal stability and unique dual plasmonic nanostructure of the TiN/MoO3-x composite are demonstrated by advanced in situ laser-heating transmission electron microscopy and photon-induced near-field electron microscopy/electron energy-loss spectroscopy, respectively. This work provides new inspiration for the design of plasmonic materials.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)10987-10994
Number of pages8
JournalNano letters
Volume24
Issue number35
Early online dateAug 2024
Publication statusPublished - 22 Aug 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 39171754
Scopus 85201771662
ORCID /0000-0002-4859-4325/work/171550234

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • Dual plasmons, Energy conversion, Interfacial solar evaporation, Localized surface plasmon resonance, Non-noble-metal plasmon