Micro/Nano-Crystal 3D Growth on Graphene Oxide Plates for a Bioinspired Air–Water Harvester

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Abstract
Water-augmentation materials have drawn more attention recently. Here, a micro/nano-NaCl-crystal 3D growth on graphene oxide plates (GONC) is designed and synthesized by using anticaking agents. After thermal reduction, it was found that rGONC particles formed an alternating hydrophilic/hydrophobic micro/nanostructure, where NaCl functions as a hydrophilic region, while rGO acts as a hydrophobic region. This structure is similar to the surface microstructure of desert beetles for efficient water vapor harvesting. It was shown to deliquesce at lower environmental 58-62% RH than RHd, ∼75% RH of NaCl, and form larger water droplets, ∼4-7 times its original measured area. These are attributed to the synergistic water-molecule-gathering effects from the surface energy gradient (F, ∼9.86 × 10-8 N) of the bioinspired nanostructure and vapor pressure gradient (F', ∼1.59 × 10-9 N) of NaCl deliquescence. The benefits of rGONC particles for water vapor harvesters are verified through in situ observation under environmental scanning electron microscopy (E-SEM) at the microscale and by 3D environment chamber experiments at the macroscale. The excellent and consistent performances positively corroborate its promising application to solve the present major environmental concern from smog/fog as an effective water-augmentation technology.
Funding Information
  • National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFF1202500)
  • National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFF1202502)
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (62071459)
  • Foundation of Shenzhen (JCYJ20220818101205011)
  • Foundation of Shenzhen (KQTD20210811090217009)
  • International Science and Technology Cooperation of Guangdong Province (2022A0505050058)

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