Solid-liquid phase change materials for solar-driven interfacial evaporation: principles, design optimization, and emerging advances in sustainable seawater desalination.

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Abstract

Solar-powered interfacial evaporation technology has emerged as a promising solution for sustainable seawater desalination, addressing freshwater scarcity while offering the advantages of low energy consumption and minimal environmental impact. However, the evaporation performance of solar evaporators is constrained by the intermittent and unstable nature of sunlight. Solid-liquid phase change materials (SLPCMs), with their high latent heat storage capacity and chemical stability, can efficiently store solar energy during periods of strong irradiation and release it when sunlight is insufficient. Integrating SLPCMs into solar-driven interfacial evaporation systems can enhance solar energy utilization efficiency and mitigate the impact of intermittent solar irradiation on evaporation performance. However, SLPCMs face challenges such as leakage during phase transitions and low thermal conductivity, limiting their direct application in evaporation systems. This review systematically analyzes these issues and explores optimization strategies, including porous material compositing and microencapsulation. The review also highlights recent advances in applying optimized SLPCMs to solar-driven interfacial evaporation while addressing remaining scientific and technical challenges. Finally, the review provides a forward-looking perspective on future developments in advanced interfacial evaporation systems to overcome intermittent solar irradiation constraints.