Research project

Synergistic Solar Interfacial Evaporation and Photocatalysis Enabled by a Hierarchical Porous Hydrogel Reactor

My research focuses on developing next-generation solar-driven interfacial reactors for sustainable water purification by integrating photothermal conversion and photocatalysis into multifunctional hydrogel-based systems. The increasing global demand for clean water, together with growing concerns over energy consumption and environmental pollution, highlights the need for efficient and sustainable water treatment technologies. My work aims to address these challenges by utilizing abundant solar energy to simultaneously produce freshwater and degrade organic contaminants in polluted water.

A central aspect of my research is the rational design of hydrogel-based evaporators with optimized water transport, thermal management, and solar energy harvesting capabilities. By incorporating photothermal materials into polymer hydrogels, I seek to maximize localized heat generation while minimizing heat loss to the bulk water, thereby improving solar-to-vapor conversion efficiency. In parallel, photocatalytic nanomaterials are integrated into the hydrogel to enable the degradation of organic pollutants during the evaporation process, allowing freshwater production and wastewater remediation to occur simultaneously.

My research also explores the synergistic interaction between photothermal conversion and photocatalysis. I investigate how thermal effects influence photocatalytic reaction kinetics and charge transfer processes, as well as how material composition, interface engineering, and structural design can enhance the coupling between these two mechanisms. Advanced characterization techniques and numerical simulations are employed to understand heat transfer, mass transport, and the underlying reaction mechanisms.

In addition, I am interested in bio-inspired structural design for improving reactor performance. Inspired by natural water transport systems, such as trees, I develop three-dimensional supporting structures that enhance capillary water supply, light harvesting, and thermal localization. Combining biomimetic engineering with advanced functional materials provides new opportunities for designing highly efficient solar-driven water treatment systems.

Ultimately, my research aims to develop low-energy, environmentally friendly, and scalable technologies for seawater desalination, wastewater purification, and solar energy utilization, contributing to sustainable solutions for global water scarcity and environmental protection.