Precision-engineered, polymer-lean, digital light processing 3D-printed hydrogels for enhancing solar steam generation and sustainable water treatment.

Mao, S; Zhang, XS; Shi, Y; Feng, A; Onggowarsito, C; Xu, XH; Aditya, L; Sun, Y; Nghiem, LD; Fu, Q

Precision-engineered, polymer-lean, digital light processing 3D-printed hydrogels for enhancing solar steam generation and sustainable water treatment.

Mao, S

Zhang, XS Shi, Y Feng, A

Onggowarsito, C Xu, XH Aditya, L Sun, Y Nghiem, LD Fu, Q

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Publisher:: ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Mater Horiz, 2025
Issue Date:: 2025-03-17

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Mao, S https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4761-4670
dc.contributor.author	Zhang, XS
dc.contributor.author	Shi, Y
dc.contributor.author	Feng, A https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8444-798X
dc.contributor.author	Onggowarsito, C
dc.contributor.author	Xu, XH
dc.contributor.author	Aditya, L
dc.contributor.author	Sun, Y
dc.contributor.author	Nghiem, LD
dc.contributor.author	Fu, Q https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4012-330X
dc.date.accessioned	2025-04-29T01:56:04Z
dc.date.available	2025-04-29T01:56:04Z
dc.date.issued	2025-03-17
dc.identifier.citation	Mater Horiz, 2025
dc.identifier.issn	2051-6347
dc.identifier.issn	2051-6355
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/187091
dc.description.abstract	Interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) using hydrogels offers a sustainable approach to desalination, addressing global water scarcity challenges. However, conventional hydrogel fabrication methods, such as moulding or direct ink writing 3D printing, lack the precision to control micro- and/or macrostructures effectively. Digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing has emerged as a powerful alternative, enabling the reproducible and high-fidelity fabrication of hydrogels with precisely engineered structures. In this study, we developed a novel DLP printing "ink" that maintains excellent printability while minimizing precursor concentrations. Using this ink, we successfully printed hydrogels with tunable engineered structures, allowing for precise control over water transport and heat management. These hydrogels demonstrated a high evaporation rate of 3.56 kg m-2 h-1 and an impressive daily water production rate exceeding 10 L m-2. This research thus advance the practical application of ISSG technology, providing a cost-effective and sustainable solution for freshwater production.
dc.format	Print-Electronic
dc.language	eng
dc.publisher	ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY
dc.relation.ispartof	Mater Horiz
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1039/d5mh00018a
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.subject	0303 Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry, 0904 Chemical Engineering, 0912 Materials Engineering
dc.subject.classification	3403 Macromolecular and materials chemistry
dc.subject.classification	4004 Chemical engineering
dc.subject.classification	4016 Materials engineering
dc.title	Precision-engineered, polymer-lean, digital light processing 3D-printed hydrogels for enhancing solar steam generation and sustainable water treatment.
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.location.activity	England
utslib.for	0303 Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry
utslib.for	0904 Chemical Engineering
utslib.for	0912 Materials Engineering
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology/School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology/School of Biomedical Engineering
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/UTS Groups
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/UTS Groups/Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater (CTWW)
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.date.updated	2025-04-29T01:56:02Z
pubs.publication-status	Published online

Abstract:

Interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) using hydrogels offers a sustainable approach to desalination, addressing global water scarcity challenges. However, conventional hydrogel fabrication methods, such as moulding or direct ink writing 3D printing, lack the precision to control micro- and/or macrostructures effectively. Digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing has emerged as a powerful alternative, enabling the reproducible and high-fidelity fabrication of hydrogels with precisely engineered structures. In this study, we developed a novel DLP printing "ink" that maintains excellent printability while minimizing precursor concentrations. Using this ink, we successfully printed hydrogels with tunable engineered structures, allowing for precise control over water transport and heat management. These hydrogels demonstrated a high evaporation rate of 3.56 kg m-2 h-1 and an impressive daily water production rate exceeding 10 L m-2. This research thus advance the practical application of ISSG technology, providing a cost-effective and sustainable solution for freshwater production.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/187091