| 초록 |
Solar desalination system using a thermosensitive hydrogel is one of the most promising technologies to solve the global water scarcity. However, it has not become practical because of its low efficiency. This problem is caused by the heat loss on the evaporation surface due to a contact with a bulk of water. In the previous study, we developed an asymmetric composite of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) showing unique water flow behavior responsive to temperature variation. In this study, by controlling whether the PNIPAm comes in contact with water, we can prevent the heat loss of the evaporation surface. By using directional melt crystallization, aligned pores were introduced in PNIPAm, which can give PNIPAm improved its ability of water transport. This method has a potential to solve the evaporation efficiency limit, one of the tough problems of solar evaporator implementation. |
