Constructing of 3D porous composite materials of NiAl/CNTs for highly efficient solar steam generation

Solar steam generation technology is considered as a facile and effective way to produce clean water from undrinkable water resources. Herein, a composite material with a novel 3D structure has been proposed for steam generation. By developing porous NiAl, which exhibiting high strength and corrosion resistance, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), fabricated via self-propagating reaction (SHS) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods, respectively, the composite materials of NiAl/CNTs and 3D structures have been created. The results shows that the 3D composite materials of NiAl/CNTs possess high porosity (≥72.8%), open-pore structure can provide abundant passage for water transportation and steam escape. In particular, the combination of the extraordinary light absorption properties of CNTs and the multiple scattering of light in the 3D porous NiAl pores grants the materials with an excellent broad-band light absorption rate (94.4%) and high evaporation rate (2.41 kg m−2 h−1) under 1 sunlight irradiation. Furthermore, the NiAl/CNTs composite materials with 3D structure shows good purification effect on heavy metal ion, such as Cr3+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+ and organic pollutants of RhB, as well as have excellent stability in simulated seawater and sewage. The findings provide guidance for the design of new high-performance materials that perfectly combine traditional 3D porous materials and CNTs for seawater desalination and sewage treatment.