3D Bioinspired Hair-Based Solar Evaporator for Efficient Water Harvesting

Authors:Yi Liu, Xuhui Sun, Jiaxian Zheng, Xiangfeng Lin, Jianqiushi Ma, Swellam Wafa AbdellatifAli Sharshir, Liwei Wang,* Meng An,* Jie Wang,* Yusuke Yamauchi, and Zhanhui Yuan*

Abstract:Interfacial solar evaporation is a promising strategy for water purification, yet achieving both high efficiency and long-term stability in saline environments remains challenging. Here, a broadband light absorption and thermal conversion strategy inspired by blackbody radiation principles to enhance solar evaporation performance is proposed. Human hair waste, exhibiting blackbody-like radiative properties, is employed as a model system. The intrinsic broadband light trapping and favorable heat distribution, inherently low thermal conductivity, and cuticular scale structures synergistically improve heat utilization ofhuman hair. Based on these advantages, a 3D solar steam generator composed ofvertically aligned black hair is constructed. The device achieves a high evaporation rate of3.945 kg m−2 h−1 (thermal efficiency 103%) and stable operation in 15 wt.% brine over 10 days. Furthermore, the evaporation rate is enhanced to 5.172 kg m−2 h−1 by integrating hollow truncated cone reflectors to optimize light distribution. Notably, the system exhibits edge-preferential salt crystallization and self-cleaning behavior, enabling continuous desalination. This work provides new theoretical insights into photothermal material design and highlights the potential ofbiomass-derived resources for sustainable water purification technologies.

DOI:10.1002/adfm.202510564