@article{Weng2025, 
author = {Mingcen Weng and Jiahao Zhou and Wei Yu and Bingzheng Zhang and Qunpu Zou and Minghua You and Peidi Zhou and Chan Zheng and Yun Xu and Huamin Chen},
title = {Multifunctional Chinese ink-coated viscose fiber composite for evaporation-driven electricity generation and solar-driven steam generation},
year = {2025},
journal = {Nano Research},
volume = {18},
number = {5},
pages = {94907341},
keywords = {multifunctional, solar-driven steam generation, Chinese ink, viscose fiber, evaporation-driven electricity generation},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/NR.2025.94907341},
doi = {10.26599/NR.2025.94907341},
abstract = {Technologies for evaporation-driven electricity generation and solar-driven steam generation exhibit significant potential for addressing energy crises and freshwater shortages. Nevertheless, it is still a challenge to develop multifunctional materials for efficient energy generation and seawater desalination via economical and simple methods. Here, we propose a Chinese ink-coated viscose fiber composite (Ink@VF), suitable for direct applications in evaporation-driven electricity generators (EEGs) and solar-driven steam generators (SSGs). The Ink@VF prepared by a simple dip-dyeing method exhibits excellent mechanical properties (Young’s modulus of 18.1 GPa), hydrophilicity, electrical conductivity (36.51 Ω/sq), and photothermal conversion properties. Based on the synergy of water evaporation, capillary effect, and electric double layer (EDL) electrokinetic effect, the Ink@VF-based EEG can achieve a maximum open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.65 V and an optimal power density of 43.72 mW/m2 with 1 mol/L NaCl solution. It can also be integrated in series to develop a self-powered bracelet. Simultaneously, the evaporation rate and solar energy conversion efficiency of the Ink@VF-based SSG can reach 1.32 kg/(m2·h) and 84.9% under 1 sun irradiation, respectively. Through utilizing the evaporation-condensation mechanism, it can achieve freshwater generation at a rate of 1.49 kg/(m2·h) and metal ion removal in excess of 99.9%. This study provides a low-cost and efficient solution to the energy crisis and freshwater shortage in resource-poor remote areas by utilizing inexhaustible natural resources.}
}