Multifunctional MoS₂ membrane for integrated solar-driven water evaporation and water purification

This paper presents a multifunctional MoS₂ membrane designed for integrated solar-driven water evaporation and organic compound degradation. Under 1.0 sun irradiation, the membrane achieved a high evaporation rate (2.07 kg m⁻² h⁻¹) and significant organic pollutant degradation (82%), with minimal pollutant residues in the condensate. This high performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of photothermal and photocatalytic processes, where heat generated during evaporation enhances photocatalytic activity. The membrane also demonstrated efficient desalination of high-salinity water, producing freshwater at a rate of 1.56 kg m⁻² h⁻¹. The MoS₂ membrane offers a sustainable approach to addressing global water scarcity.

Lingfang Cui, Huinan Che, Bin Liu, Yanhui Ao