Enhanced Photothermal Effect of polydopamine/graphene nanoplatelets/serat pakis (Cyathea contaminans (Wall. ex Hook.) Copel.) Composite for Efficient Solar-driven Steam Generation
Febri Rismaningsih1,2, Muhammad Adam Dwiputra1, Ariadne Lakshmidevi Juwono1, and Vivi Fauzia1*

1 Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
2 Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Islam Syekh-Yusuf, Tangerang, Indonesia

Abstract

In recent years, solar driven steam generation SSG has been widely recognized by the scientific community as a sustainable and cost effective technology for seawater desalination and wastewater purification, offering a practical yet effective solution to the global shortage of clean water. In this study, we utilized Cyathea contaminans Wall. ex Hook. Copel., commonly known as serat pakis, a naturally abundant tree fern fiber widely distributed across Southeast Asia, as a three dimensional evaporator for the first time. We designed the evaporator by decorating serat pakis with graphene nanoplatelets which function as high light absorption capability, superior thermal conductivity, and excellent chemical stability, while polydopamine serves as a multifunctional binding agent that enhances the adhesion, dispersion, and compatibility of graphene nanoplatelets within the biomass matrix. The realized 3D photothermal evaporator, hereafter referred to as PGC, exhibits good thermal resistance, high pH stability, and reliable mechanical strength without fiber shedding from the tree fern matrix. Owing to its strong light absorption capability, enhanced wettability, and the presence of microchannels which accelerate water transport through its pores due to excellent capillary action, the PGC evaporator with a sample size of 2x2x6 cm reaches an outstanding average evaporation rate of 7.95 kg m h and a solar to thermal conversion efficiency of 99 percent under 1 sun illumination. This work presents a promising and practical strategy for the fabrication of highly efficient, environmentally friendly, and low cost biomass based evaporators and demonstrates their significant potential for real-world applications in seawater desalination and wastewater purification.

Keywords: graphene nanoplatelets- Polydopamine- Fern fibers- Nanocomposites- Photothermal

Topic: Material Physics